Canton Embroidery and the Maritime Silk Road: The Fusion of Intangible Cultural Heritage Traditions and Modern Values

Canton Embroidery, one of the Four Famous Embroideries of China, is not only an important cultural symbol along the ancient Maritime Silk Road but also carries rich historical and cultural significance. This paper explores the historical role of Canton Embroidery on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, its inheritance, and its innovation in modern society. It analyzes its contemporary value as an intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in promoting cultural and economic exchanges within the framework of the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road”. Through the study of its historical development, technical characteristics, current status, and paths for its inheritance and export, this paper examines the productization of ICH represented by Canton Embroidery. It argues that the modern preservation of traditional ICH crafts should be achieved through innovative design, modern marketing methods, and trade as a means to enhance economic value and foster regional economic development.