Folk artists along the Yellow River display seeds of creativity

"Grain pictures have become a cultural product that is helping to enrich farmers living on the Yellow River plain," says Han.

The Yellow River, the country's second longest, is considered the cradle of Chinese civilization. For thousands of years, the people living along its banks have nurtured rich and vibrant cultures that have endured to this day.

To give people the opportunity to familiarize themselves with its rich culture and plentiful products, Shandong province has organized fairs named after the river throughout the year, with some events held in communities to involve more people.

At the fairs, intangible cultural heritage items, handicrafts, local delicacies, performances, and agricultural products are available.

At one fair in a community in Jinan, the capital city of Shandong, in late October, more than 10 types of handicrafts were on show, including gourd-carving, paper-cutting, textiles and hemp rope weaving.

"The fair builds a bridge between intangible cultural heritage producers and consumers. Using items that are embodied with traditional culture is a good way to pass on culture," says Sun Xicai, deputy director of Jinan Folk Literature and Art Association.

At the fair, 60-something Yu Shaoqing, who was selling animal-shaped textile products, attracted a lot of buyers.

"Many young people show an interest in my products. They buy them to decorate their rooms and cars," says Yu.

Yu, who worked in embroidery design before retiring, designs her products, which take the shape of animals like tigers, rabbits and ducks. Currently, she is working on a dragon design for next year to welcome the Year of the Dragon.

"I have spent eight months drawing more than 10 sketches. I want a dragon that will catch people's attention at first sight," Yu says.

Neighboring a booth at the fair selling products made from woven hemp rope, Yu was inspired to decorate a hemp basket with cloth tigers.

"The fair has not only provided us a platform to promote our products, but also a platform to exchange ideas. Traditional crafts need new ideas to make them popular with modern consumers," she says.

zhaoruixue@chinadaily.com.cn