Various exhibits at the 2023 China (Shandong) Arts and Crafts Expo [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2023 China (Shandong) Arts and Crafts Expo opened at the Jinan Shungeng International Convention and Exhibition Center in Jinan, Shandong province on May 12, showcasing the latest development and achievements in the arts and crafts industry in the province in recent years.

There are more than 110 types of exhibits, including sculptures, jewelry, glazed interior paintings, and art ceramics, on display in nine exhibition zones. Visitors can also take part in activities such as willow weaving, clay sculpture, paper-cutting, and pit carving in a special zone.

Among the highlights is an exhibit in the digital achievement exhibition zone that uses artificial reality to combine ancient paintings with real scenes so as to offer visitors an immersive experience of Confucius' life.

Shandong province is home to 26 national-level intangible cultural heritage items, 12 national arts and crafts characteristic areas, and eight categories listed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Shandong has in recent years achieved fruitful results in arts and crafts, digitalization of Shandong handicrafts, and intelligent development, according to Yuan Min, the director of Shandong Arts and Crafts Association.

This year's expo is aimed at further integrating the development of the handicraft industry and digital economy, Yuan added.

An artist carves a gourd at a booth at the 2023 China (Shandong) Arts and Crafts Expo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A visitor views exhibits at the 2023 China (Shandong) Arts and Crafts Expo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]