Hechi owns the largest bronze drum in the world, with a diameter of 6.68 meters and a weight of 50 metric tons. [Photo/Gao Dongfeng]

The Hechi bronze drums, with a recorded history spanning 2,000 years, are to get national-level cultural protection.

The Bronze Drum Cultural (Hechi) Ecology Protection Zone recently passed acceptance by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

In 2012, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism approved the establishment of the Bronze Drum Cultural (Hechi) Protection Experimental Zone in the Hongshui River basin in Hechi city, Guangxi.

Since its establishment, it has not only been protecting the bronze drum culture itself, but it has also been protecting the local cultural environment.

The experimental zone covers all of Hechi city's 11 counties and districts. The core area includes Donglan, Nandan and Tian'e counties, while the secondary area includes Bama Yao autonomous county, Dahua Yao autonomous county, Du'an Yao autonomous county and Huanjiang Maonan autonomous county. The extended area includes Jinchengjiang district, Yizhou district, Luocheng Mulam autonomous county and Fengshan county.

Hechi has the largest number of existing bronze drums in the world handed down from ancient times, with a number totaling 1,458.

The Bronze Drum Cultural (Hechi) Ecology Protection Zone has 13 national intangible cultural heritage projects, ranking first in Guangxi in terms of project numbers. There are eight national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritors and many intangible cultural heritage inheritance venues.

The local government has attached great importance to cultural development and inheritance. It has introduced local laws and regulations, established management organizations and invested special funds to boost bronze drum protection.

Tourists and guests from home and abroad play bronze drums at the Maguai Festival celebration in Baying village, Donglan county. [Photo/Gao Dongfeng]