Visitors take photographs of a glass bell in a glass museum in Zibo on Jan 23.[Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]
Glass art is a precious cultural heritage in Zibo's history and a vibrant calling card for the city in East China's Shandong province. "World-class glass art is found in China, and the best of China's glass art is in Boshan," referring to the exquisite, delicate, and subtle nature of Boshan's glass art in Zibo, which uses similar materials to create glass that looks like pearls and jade, with colors like flowing clouds. In 2008, the craft of glassblowing was listed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
The art of Boshan glass can be traced back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century – 771 BC) and reached its peak during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It has been continuously produced without interruption through the Song (960-1279), Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
Currently, Boshan is embracing the busy season, receiving New Year's orders from all over the country. Visitors can walk through the weathered alleys into Yanshen Ancient Town to experience and observe the entire process of glass art production.
Through the dazzling intangible cultural heritage, they can feel the strong sense of the Spring Festival.
