Handicrafts get boost in Shandong's county

Dongming county – located in Heze city in East China's Shandong province – has been exploring various methods in recent years to boost its traditional handicrafts industry and it's really been paying dividends.

For instance, the county has established the brand Shandong Handcraft to promote different types of local handmade products.

These span a wide range of categories – including traditional fine arts, dyed and woven textiles, carvings and cultural and creative items.

Moreover, the county has organized interactive workshops to spark interest in traditional culture among young people.

Through these initiatives, they not only experience various handmade products – such as Dongming grain paintings and blue-printed cloth – but also enhance their cultural confidence and aesthetic tastes.

Dongming grain paintings – a traditional folk craft with a recorded history of more than 1,700 years – is a prime example of this. The revered technique was listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage item in 2014 by the Shandong provincial department of culture.

There are also other key handmade products being developed these days in the county. Dongming has established various training centers in local villages – creating jobs for over 300 residents and generating annual sales of over 10 million yuan ($139,817).

Additionally, the county has integrated the Shandong Handicraft brand with the thriving cultural event called the Yellow River Fair.

During the event, performances featuring lion dances and local musical instruments are held to promote related handmade products, proving successful in both social and commercial benefits. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)