CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The 12th Chongqing International Cultural Industry Expo and Bayu Culture Inheritance and Development Brand Exhibition was held at Chongqing International Convention & Exhibition Center (Nanping) on November 16, displaying various outstanding works of intangible cultural heritage carefully selected by exhibitors, cultural enterprises, folk craftsmen, intangible cultural heritage masters.

Authentic intangible cultural heritage in Chongqing

Inheritors presenting their skills at the event

The 12th Chongqing International Cultural Industry Expo and Bayu Culture Inheritance and Development Brand Exhibition has attracted more than 20 inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, who showcase various forms of intangible cultural heritage, such as Yuzhong Gourd Pyrography, Banan Mingsanniang Dough Sculpture, Yubei Feather Painting, Wansheng Xiankui Palm Fiber Weaving.

"They are all well-educated craftsmen. Some of them are self-taught, some have learned from their ancestors, some have overcome many difficulties, and some nearly failed to hand down the skills from past generations... No matter what, they pulled through. They want to showcase the authentic intangible cultural heritage in Chongqing,” said Liu Kongwen, the cultural adviser of the Chongqing Foreign Cultural and Trade Base. Liu Kongwen used to be the secretary general of the Chongqing Arts and Crafts Industry Association before he retired. On the day before the opening ceremony, he warmly welcomed the craftsmen of Chongqing's intangible cultural heritage at the venue.

“This time I will show various carving techniques,” said Chen Li, the inheritor of boxwood carving, the municipal-level intangible cultural heritage in Chongqing. He added that he had been exposed to the art of carving and improving his carving skills since childhood. He couldn’t wait to show the public the charm of boxwood carving.

What will happen when traditional paper-cutting meets Chongqing's landmarks? Huang Tao, the inheritor of the Chongqing municipal-level intangible cultural heritage Huang’s paper-cutting, told us that they had incorporated the elements of Chongqing landmarks such as Raffles City Chongqing, Huangge Ancient Road, and Qiansimen Bridge into traditional paper-cutting, diversifying the expression forms and content of paper-cutting.

Masters from all over the world gathering here

Bringing fine works of intangible cultural heritage to Chongqing

Many intangible cultural heritage masters gathered in the "Urban Integration" pavilion. Here, you may meet the national masters of arts and crafts.

Axes, swords, pouches, and talismans made from peach wood and engraved with the Chinese character “福 (luck)” were displayed in the “Mr. Wooden Sword” booth. They are made by Gu Zongwei, the inheritor of a municipal-level form of intangible cultural heritage from Feicheng City, Shandong Province.

Gu Zongwei is skillful in miniature sculpture and even carving on peach wood the size of a fingernail. “This is the first time I've been to Chongqing. Chongqing people are hospitable and welcoming, and the cultural atmosphere here is strong.” Gu Zongwei hoped to meet like-minded friends here and find some business opportunities.

Elites and talents in the tea industry from Chongqing and Taiwan gathering here

This gold medal porcelain worth seeing

With the theme of “Chinese Tea, Chongqing-Taiwan Fellowship”, the expo aims to promote cross-strait tea cultural exchanges and boost the development of the tea industry. Elites and representatives of excellent enterprises in the tea industry gathered here for cultural and business exchanges. For example, the Chinese Taiwan Qiaobangshou Industrial Company brought exquisite Fahua-colored porcelain to the event.

The “Baba Tea” resting area is the most distinctive corner in the “Tea Culture” pavilion, which is called “the third space” of the pavilion, incorporating entertainment, cultural dissemination, and sales. The fine Chongqing Tuo Tea produced by Chongqing International Tea Culture Research Association, Chongqing Yunling Tea, Chongqing Miaopinji was displayed here.

It’s worth noting that the old elements and ornaments of the Sichuan-Chongqing ancient teahouse, such as wooden tables and chairs, big leaf fans, and simulated greenery can be seen everywhere here, attracting the attention of all visitors. The pavilion was also decorated with the elements of modern Chongqing urban teahouse, such as the curtains and cloths printed with sentences.

All people are welcome to chat over tea and take a rest at the 12th Chongqing International Cultural Industry Expo and Bayu Culture Inheritance and Development Brand Exhibition. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)