Different hats are on display at the Foremost Hats Museum in Nantong. [Photo/Foremost Hats Museum]

A conference focused on the 101 Intangible Cultural Heritage Hat Accessories project is set to take place at the Foremost Hats Museum in Nantong, Jiangsu province, on April 28.

As an integral part of the 2026 Nantong Jianghai International Culture and Tourism Festival, this event serves as both a deep dialogue between practitioners of intangible cultural heritage and fashion designers and a cultural initiative to bring China's finest craftsmanship to the global stage.

Launched in celebration of Nantong Foremost Headwear's 30th anniversary, the project unites 101 ICH practitioners to create 101 hat accessories using traditional Chinese techniques, revitalizing ancient crafts through modern design.

The event will host national and provincial-level practitioners of ICH from fields such as Yun brocade, Su embroidery, kesi (silk tapestry weaving), bamboo weaving and tie-dye, among others, to explore the fusion of ICH with contemporary lifestyle aesthetics.

The Foremost Hats Museum, the venue for this event, is not only a repository and showcase for hat culture but also aspires to become an international platform for promoting China's premier ICH skills. The 101 hat accessory pieces are set to be permanently housed in the museum and featured in global stage.

In addition, the project plans to launch the 101 Craftsmanship documentary series, develop cultural and creative derivatives of these hat accessories and introduce collaborative products, aiming to transform ICH from museum exhibits into integral parts of everyday life.