Weifang's Kuiwen: ICH bloom in urban commercial district

In the Taihua city commercial district, intangible cultural heritage art thrives, while the Wanda district's pit sculpture art museum and Weifang 1532 Cultural Industry Park blend culture, tourism, and commerce. These venues revitalize traditional ICH and boost consumer engagement within the city.

Kuiwen district has integrated ICH exhibition halls into commercial areas, merging tradition with modern business. Art museums and national trend crown exhibition attract tourists and young shoppers, presenting traditional culture in a trendy way.

The studio of Tian Hongbo, Weifang peach pit carving ICH inheritor. [Photo/Xinpai News]

Weifang is the birthplace of peach pit carving art, which has been listed on the national intangible cultural heritage list. Tian Hongbo's award-winning pit sculpture draws many visitors. The head of Kuiwen district Cultural and Tourism Bureau noted that art museums boost foot traffic and breathe new life into ICH.

Tian Hongbo conducts training on ICH craftsmanship at his studio. [Photo/Xinpai News]

Since September, Kuiwen district has driven the integration of culture, tourism, and commerce by launching a non-heritage cultural market at Taihua city. Featuring traditional crafts like pit sculpture, woodcraft, paper-cutting, and embroidery, it has spurred events such as the Weifang Youth Talent Cultural Festival, shadow puppetry, and Hanfu park tours, revitalizing commercial districts and boosting sales.

Weifang 1532 Cultural Industry Park becomes a new cultural landmark. [Photo/Xinpai News]

Moreover, the transformation of the 1532 Cultural Industry Park has added cultural energy to the district. By merging historical relics with modern life, the park offers a multifunctional space for tourism, cultural creativity, and diverse cultural experiences. Additionally, over 40 ICH heritage sites, including the Qilu Culture (Weifang) Ecological Protection Zone, provide people with daily access to traditional culture.

Through innovative initiatives, Kuiwen district brings together culture and commerce, enhancing cultural experiences and ensuring the continued growth of cultural and artistic influence in modern life.