A traditional Manchu ceremony for releasing trained hunting falcons into the wild was held in the Changbai Mountains on April 9.

Setting the captured falcons free is an important part of maintaining the ecological sustainability of this cultural tradition, said Cao Baoming, deputy chairman of the China Folk Literature and Art Society.

"Only by sending the falcons back to nature can local folk culture be in tune with nature," Cao said.

The ceremony is part of preserving the intangible cultural heritage of the region's falconry tradition.

Yulou village and Luogu village are where the area's culture of falconry originated and thrived for the past 400 years. Falcons are believed by the people of northern China to be a magical bird, and training them to hunt is a traditional skill passed down through generations in Jilin province.

Today, in Yulou village, more than 300 households which are of the Manchu nationality, uphold the tradition of using falcons in hunting.

This culture of falconry was listed in the UNESCO's World Intangible Culture Heritage list in November 2010. Known locally as the "King of Falcons", Zhao Mingzhe of Yulou village is the most famous falcon catcher and trainer.

Cao urged falconers to protect the Manchu tradition and hand it down to future generations. He also said that this special folk culture could be a big draw for tourists.

liumingtai@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/20/2012 page7)