A row of vibrant handcrafted cloth tigers. [Photo/Shandian News]

From Dec 27 to 30, the Jinan Shungeng International Convention and Exhibition Center will display a diverse range of traditional crafts, including sculptures, lacquerware, jewelry, glass paintings, Zisha pottery, and fine ceramics. This annual event, now in its 16th year, is set to showcase the rich heritage and innovative spirit of Shandong's arts and crafts scene.

In addition to the main exhibition, a series of engaging activities such as intangible cultural heritage demonstrations and skill-sharing workshops will be organized, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

A special section of the event will highlight the unique craftsmanship of all 16 cities in Shandong province, showcasing the diverse and rich artistic heritage of the region. The expo aims to promote the development of the province's arts and crafts industry, foster its distinctive development, and contribute to the building of a manufacturing powerhouse and a strong cultural province.

Shandong is a significant production, sales, and export base for arts and crafts products in China. The province's craft art industry encompasses 11 major categories, including carvings, art ceramics, lacquerware, and carpets.

Influenced by historical culture, traditional techniques, and its natural resource endowments, the arts and crafts industry in Shandong has formed a number of regional clusters with distinctive characteristics. Currently, the province boasts 12 national-level characteristic industrial clusters and 23 provincial-level characteristic industrial clusters.