Expats pose for a group photo at the Dongping Grand Canal Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance Center. [Photo/SD China]

A group of expats visited Dongping county in Tai'an to learn more about the Grand Canal culture and experience intangible cultural heritage (ICH) techniques such as pyrography.

At the Dongping Grand Canal Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance Center, expats learned about the Grand Canal's role in maintaining China's cultural prosperity and economic stability for over 2,000 years. They heard about the composition of the Grand Canal and the major cities along its route.

The expats also tried the traditional Chinese art form known as Duanguqiang, which is accompanied by energetic drum beats. Asim Shahzad from Pakistan showed great interest in the sheepskin drum and quickly picked up how to play it.

Others tried their hands at various ICH items such as paper-cutting, rubbing, and pyrography, and created their own artwork under the guidance of ICH inheritors.

Under the supervision of one such ICH inheritor, Prin Suntichaikul from Thailand cut out a red Chinese character "Xi" (meaning "happiness" or "joy"). He also learned the character symbolizes goodness and happiness in Chinese culture.

Pyrography, also known as woodburning, is a technique that uses the heat generated by a woodburning tool to create marks and designs on various materials, by controlling the temperature, pressure, speed, and using specialist techniques.

This left a deep impression on Qanoni Samandar from Afghanistan. "Pyrography not only incorporates traditional Chinese artistic techniques but also allows for the creation of rich layers and tones. It offers a strong sense of three-dimensionality, which is truly amazing."

Expats take photos of models chronicling the history and story of the Grand Canal. [Photo/SD China]

Expats learn Duanguqiang, a traditional Chinese art form, during their visit in Dongping county. [Photo/SD China]