Longkou hosts cultural exchange event to strengthen int'l bonds

Longkou, a city in East China's Shandong province, recently hosted a cultural exchange event designed to promote traditional Chinese art and strengthen international ties. The gathering brought together local residents, international guests from Ethiopia, and Sun Shaoying, a renowned local craftsperson specializing in paper cutouts for windows, an intangible cultural heritage of the region.

Sun Shaoying, a master of Longkou's centuries-old paper-cut window art, demonstrated the intricate fusion of paper cutting and dyeing that defines this unique craft. During the event, she meticulously crafted a goldfish-themed window painting, giving participants a glimpse into the artistry that has been passed down for generations.

Participants in the cultural exchange event create their own paper-cut window art. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The event was more than a demonstration of skill; it was a hands-on, interactive experience. Local youth and international guests collaborated to create their own paper-cut window art, learning together and sharing stories. The foreign visitors eagerly embraced the chance to learn about this traditional Chinese craft, sparking lively discussions and cultural exchanges.

As participants completed their window flower paintings, the symbolic nature of the event became clear. The art they created together was more than just a craft; it was an expression of cross-cultural understanding and growing global connections.

Participants proudly show off their creations. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The event not only deepened the foreign guests' appreciation of Chinese culture but also strengthened bonds within the Longkou community. With hopes for continued cultural exchange, local organizers look forward to more initiatives that preserve traditional arts while nurturing international dialogue and cooperation in the future. (Edited by Hu Kaili)