Staging the ‘authenticity’ of intangible heritage from the production perspective: the case of craftsmanship museum cluster in Hangzhou, China

This paper examines how the authenticity of intangible craftsmanship heritage is planned and staged in the cultural museum context. Based on a case study of the Craftsmanship Museum Cluster in Hangzhou, China, this paper discusses and analyses how tourism serves as a catalyst at the museums to showcase the authenticity of craftsmanship heritage and provide tourists authentic experience, through combing the tangible and intangible forms (e.g. object display, modern exhibition technology, simulated environment, and living process of craftsmanship showcase). The local governmental organisations, museum planners, curators, and crafts masters co-produce the authenticity of craftsmanship heritage through full negotiation, compromise, and creation. This paper also highlights the changing nature of intangible heritage and the role of museums in contemporary tourism.