People recall their picture book past at Pizza Hut event

Many Chinese people have a nostalgic memory of Xiaorenshu, or picture books.

From the 1950s to the 1980s, these picture books were the most popular books among Chinese families.

This year, people are being advised to stay in the cities where they work, rather than migrate to their hometowns, in order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

They will never forget their memories of the festivities in their hometowns and their childhood reading experiences with their picture books.

Ahead of the Spring Festival, which this year is due to fall on Feb 13, Pizza Hut Tianjin has staged a series of events to highlight China's intangible cultural assets, including classic picture books.

On Wednesday, at the city's landmark shopping mall Joy City in Nankai district, Liu Jianping, renowned picture book painter and retired publisher of the Tianjin People's Fine Art Publication House, collector Feng Yuan, and a group of fans joined an event to remember their beloved childhood picture books. It was held at the Pizza Hut restaurant, which was then declared an intangible cultural asset brand restaurant in the North China municipality.

Children followed the experts' lead in drawing pictures and coloring in their favorite images from the Adventures of Onion Head, a series of household picture books popular since the 1960s.

A series of the books were on show at the restaurant, luring many visitors to take a look.

Fans also shared a special moment with the picture book experts.

Beijing's rabbit sculpture, Sichuan Opera, Youyan Man ethnic group paper clippings, Kunqu Opera, Hunan Xiang Embroidery, Huaxia Shadow Playing, Guangdong Awakening Lion Show, Luoyang Peony Porcelain as well as Qinhuai Lighting Show are all expected to be included at a number of Pizza Hut restaurants during the upcoming Spring Festival.