The multilevel functions and political connotations of culture necessitate the protection of intangible cultural heritages . The ever-changing characteristic of culture asks for dynamic strategies of protection . The social function of belief endows related intangible cultural heritages with historical significance and value of protection . In the practical domain , the integrity of culture requires protection both in the micro-ecological and macro-ecological senses . Considering the negligence of grassroots participation in our current protection practices , we should advocate participatory strategies on the basis of understanding and appreciating the differences between emic and etic standpoints , taking advantage of grassroots wisdom and local knowledge , and awakening the cultural consciousness of the communities concerned . Furthermore , we should try to prevent cultural″filtration″and″cultural stratification″by engaging an independent party in the process of evaluating intangible cultural heritages , by setting up the list of intangible cultural heritages in imminent danger , and by breaking the rigid linkage between protection funds and ranking .