The 8th China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo, hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, opened in Jinan, Shandong province, on Oct 17. Multiple intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items from North China's Shanxi province were showcased, highlighting the unique charm of the province's rich traditional culture.

The expo featured key themes such as ecology, innovation, rural areas, and exchange and mutual learning, with 211 representative ICH items and over 100 ICH practitioners participating, showcasing China's achievements in ICH preservation over the past 20 years.

This year's expo focused on three aspects: demonstrating how ICH connects with modern life, showcasing the power of youth in preserving ICH, and integrating ICH with new technologies.

During the expo, Shanxi's Jinzhong Cultural Ecological Protection Zone participated in the ecology-themed section, while Xuemei embroidery was showcased in the rural areas-themed section. Traditional crafts such as Donghu aged vinegar making, Wenshui gourd crafting, Pingyao lacquerware decoration, Pingyao beef production, and Taigu pastry making were also showcased, with Shanxi noodle-making skills performed as an exhibition show.

Local residents in Jinan warmly welcomed Shanxi's ICH items such as aged vinegar, Pingyao beef, and Taigu pastries, with Pingyao beef selling out on the first day. The exquisite and fashionable Pingyao lacquerware bracelets, meanwhile, attracted the attention of young people.

The expo displayed the beauty of Shanxi's ICH, showcased the ecological beauty of Jinzhong Cultural Ecological Protection Zone, and promoted exchanges and mutual learning between Shanxi and other regions in terms of ICH development and preservation.