A delegation of expats from multiple countries including Britain, Canada, the United States and Egypt delved into the artistic aspect of Zibo city in East China's Shandong province on Sept 10 at the ongoing 23rd China (Zibo) International Ceramics Exposition.

Expats observe ceramic tableware at the 23rd China (Zibo) International Ceramics Exposition, taking place from Sept 9 to 12. [Photo provided to shandong.chinadaily.com.cn]

This immersive cultural exploration provided the expats with insights not only into the local ceramics but also the exquisite artistry from China's nine key ceramics and glaze producing areas as well as masterpieces from 12 countries and regions, including Britain and Russia. 

They also had hands-on experience with neihua, a form of interior painting that requires artists to use a special bamboo pen with a hook-tipped brush inside a glass container with a small opening.

Alexandra Alexandrou from Greece wields a thin bamboo stick up and down inside a tiny glass vessel secured in her left hand to deliver an interior painting work. [Photo provided to shandong.chinadaily.com.cn]

Mohammed Al-Zouba (L) from Yemen observes the process of ceramic-making. [Photo provided to shandong.chinadaily.com.cn]

As the most popular barbecue hotspot in China, Zibo was one of the early inventors of ceramics, dating back over 10,000 years to the early Neolithic Age. Its glaze culture also boasts a long history, dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). 

The expo currently being held is Zibo's largest and most comprehensive ceramics exhibition, featuring one main venue and five branch venues that span a combined 900,000 square meters. 

"Attending the exposition was like stepping into a global mosaic of ceramic artistry. What struck me the most was the cultural flavor of the event. I felt the expo exemplified the potential of ceramics, to unite people as it acts as a conduit for cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and global unity," said Douglas Dueno, a foreign expert at the China Daily Website.

Expats pose for a group photo on Sept 10 at the 23rd China (Zibo) International Ceramics Exposition. [Photo provided to shandong.chinadaily.com.cn]

Expats pose for a group photo on Sept 10 at the 23rd China (Zibo) International Ceramics Exposition. [Photo provided to shandong.chinadaily.com.cn]

The expats' visit to Zibo was part of the "Meeting the Sea along the Yellow River" tour organized by the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. 

The tour has seen a group of expats travel to the cities of Dongying, Weifang and Zibo in Shandong from Sept 8-10 to discover the treasures of intangible cultural heritage there and appreciate the charms of this ancient and modern land.

Expats pose for a group photo on Sept 10 at the entrance of the 23rd China (Zibo) International Ceramics Exposition, taking place from Sept 9 to 12. [Photo provided to shandong.chinadaily.com.cn]