This Day, That Year

Item from March 27, 1994, in China Daily: A shop assistant helps a customer choose a birthday present for her boyfriend at a gift store in Beijing. These days more Chinese want unique handicrafts to give as gifts for their friends and relatives.

Nowadays, more Chinese consumers prefer handmade gifts rather than mass-produced items.

To meet the demand, there is a growing trend to make things by hand, which is seen as an extension of personality and a way to preserve traditional techniques. Anything can be made by hand, including wallets, jewelry, perfumes and furniture.