An overview of manas epic studies in China (1949-2019)

The Manas epic (hereafter stated as Manas) is an encyclopedic work on various fields, including language, literature, folklore, history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Kyrgyz. The Manas has attracted research attention in China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Germany, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Japan. Following the effect of global warming on Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it has been included in the ICH list by request of China and Kyrgyzstan in 2009 and 2013. The article mainly introduces and discusses Manas studies during its 70-year history from 1949 to 2019.