A group of journalists visited some craft workshops in Huaiyin district on Aug 10 to experience the area's traditional handicraft techniques such as Lu embroidery and sculpting.

"Lu embroidery is an ancient traditional embroidery craft developed during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC)," said Dai Jun, the fifth inheritor of Lu embroidery, a national intangible cultural heritage.

Dai learned Lu embroidery skills and the cheongsam making technique from his grandmother at the age of 15. Over the past 30 years, he has made more than 2,000 pieces of cheongsams and traditional Chinese clothing, which have greatly promoted the traditional handicraft.

At Wang Lingtao's handicraft workshop, a series of vivid and delicate clay statues are on display, ranging from the lovely Bing Dwen Dwen, the mascot of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, to all kinds of tableware.

Wang, 44, is a handicraftsman who specializes in sculpting. With more than a decade of experience in creating and designing sculptures, Wang has produced unique clay sculptures showcasing Jinan's culture by digging into folk culture and craft methods with significant regional intangible cultural heritages.

By the end of 2021, Huaiyin district is home to 50 intangible cultural heritage items and more than 20 items in the categories of traditional fine arts and traditional handcrafts, according to officials.

The group also visited Jinan's first wax museum and the Qushanyihai Museum in Huaiyin district to explore the area's creative culture and traditional opera culture.

Wax figures at Weimukaila – Jinan's first wax museum, which is located in Huaiyin district. [Photo/Jinan Daily]

Dai Jun, the fifth inheritor of Lu embroidery shows his artwork - a Chinese fan with embroidered pattens . [Photo/Jinan Daily]

Wang Lingtao concentrates on sculpting at his workshop in Huaiyin district. [Photo/Jinan Daily]