Charm of rural cultural vitalization: Beautiful countryside meets cultural market

Tourists select handmade ICH products at the fair. [Photo by Zhang Minmin for chinadaily.com.cn]

Starting from March 30, a cultural fair is held every Saturday in Caijiagou village in Zhucheng city, Weifang, Shandong featuring three main sections: intangible cultural heritage (ICH) handicrafts, antiques and collectibles, and organic fruits and vegetables. 

The fair is a great place to walk around, shop, and sightsee while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

On the first day of the fair, artists and craftsmen set up booths to sell and showcase cultural products such as paper-cutting, fabric art, handmade straw and wood carving. Visitors will have the opportunity to personally experience various ICH skills as well as select from a diverse array of intangible heritage items.

A weaver makes Chinese knots. [Photo by Zhang Minmin for chinadaily.com.cn]

Caijiagou is a well-known "internet-famous village". In recent years, it has improved its living environment by tapping into its cultural and tourism resources to boost agriculture. It has been honored with titles such as provincial-level beautiful demonstration village.

Zhucheng city has established 39 provincial-level beautiful villages with unique characteristics, accounting for more than half of the total villages in the city.

At the same time, relying on ICH, red culture, and other characteristic cultural and tourism resources, the city has organized events that provide a platform for artists and residents to showcase their achievements in rural cultural vitalization at fairs. (Edited by Huang Junyao)