Starbucks opened its first intangible cultural heritage (ICH) concept store in Nanjing on January 10, marking the fourth store featuring ICH in China, with the other three located in Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou. (CFP)

The two-story store in Nanjing is situated on Yihe Road, home to the city’s largest protected historic and cultural district.

The store's wall paintings feature nearly 20 city landmarks, including the Stone City, Drum Tower, Jiming Temple, Grand Baoen Temple, Zhongshan Mausoleum, Yangtze River Bridge, and Zifeng Tower.

Also highlighted are ICH crafts, such as the tie-dyeing skills of the Bai people, weaving techniques of the Achang people, and embroidery of the Yi people. The interior design showcases the beauty of Jinling, the ancient name of Nanjing, from the Six Dynasties period (229-589) to the modern era.

At the corner of the second floor is a large art installation featuring the Chinese characters for "Nanjing," made from materials like Chinese silk, handloom cloth and Nanjing Yunjin brocade.

The store manager Jiang Ying mentioned that ICH inheritors will be invited to host craft activities and explore new ideas for ICH protection and inheritance. "Currently, we have co-branded a keychain that incorporates the tie-dyeing craft of the Bai people,” Jiang said.