From Dec 28 to 30, Heze held a grand exhibition showing its exquisite handicrafts, intangible cultural heritage items, and delectable local cuisine in Shandong province's capital of Jinan. The event also featured a captivating display and experiential activities centered around hanfu, the traditional Chinese attire.

The models elegantly display the exquisite craftsmanship of hanfu in an array of styles. [Photo/Haibao News]

The event provided a platform for 26 handicraft enterprises and 14 local food businesses to show their products across 40 exhibition booths, allowing the public to experience the best of Heze.

A piece of intricately carved wooden artwork. [Photo/Haibao News]

In addition to the exhibition, the event offered a variety of engaging activities, including educational experiences, storytelling sessions, lion dances, and the opportunity to dress in hanfu.

Fine porcelain pieces with transparent glazes and stunning peony patterns. [Photo/Haibao News]

Caoxian county, located in Heze city, has emerged as China's largest producer of original hanfu designs. The county boasts over 2,500 hanfu companies, over 5,000 registered hanfu brands, approximately 17,000 online stores, and nearly 100,000 people employed in the industry. In 2024, the county's hanfu industry has achieved remarkable sales, with online sales reaching 8.75 billion yuan ($1.19 billion) and offline sales reaching 3 billion yuan.

This event not only promoted Heze's rich cultural heritage but also highlighted the rapid growth of the hanfu industry, particularly in Caoxian county.