From Taotang to today's Pingyao, this city has more than 2,800 years of history and was the first entire ancient city in China to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pingyao, also renowned as a national historic and cultural city, not only preserves numerous cultural relics, but also carries a rich legacy of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), notably known for its Double ICH Treasure: the intangible heritage in the palm, the Pingyao polished lacquerware decoration technique, and the intangible heritage on the tongue — the traditional processing technique of Guanyun Pingyao beef. Both the lacquerware and the beef are included in the first group of 10 provincial specialty towns designated by the Shanxi provincial Party committee and provincial government.

As one of China's four major lacquerware types, Pingyao polished lacquerware's perfect blend of aesthetics, practicality and traditional form has earned it a significant place in the history of China's lacquerware. Known for its exquisite decoration, unique materials and high quality, Pingyao lacquerware has long been renowned and exported overseas.

In 2006, its decoration technique was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage protection lists. In 2011, it was approved as a national geographical indication product, and in 2015, Pingyao was recognized by the China National Arts and Crafts Society as the "Capital of Polished Lacquerware".

Pingyao lacquerware works have won more than 50 gold awards in various national and provincial exhibitions and competitions. The industry now operates under a model led by master craftsmen, driven by leading enterprises and supported by small workshops, producing over 1,000 varieties of traditional lacquerware in five major categories: painting, inlaying, carving, engraving and stacking. This has helped Pingyao lacquerware reach a global audience.

The famous song Praise of Specialties, sung by renowned Pingyao-born artist Guo Lanying, celebrates local products from Shanxi. In this folk song, which became popular nationwide 70 years ago, Pingyao beef is mentioned first.

Originating in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 24), flourishing in the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties and thriving in the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), Pingyao beef is famous across China for its unique color, aroma and taste.

Over its 2,000 history, the traditional processing technique of Pingyao beef has fully inherited the "time-honored brand" tradition. Relying on Pingyao's unique natural environment and using just "a piece of meat, a pinch of salt and a pot”, combined with the unique "marinating, braising, stewing and simmering" techniques, Pingyao beef has built its reputation and brand.

The ICH Promotion Conference of Shanxi and Pingyao China Tour (ICHPCSP) exhibition showcases the unique techniques and outstanding brands of Pingyao polished lacquerware and Pingyao beef.

This event also serves as an opportunity to hold an investment promotion and industry introduction conference for the Double ICH Treasure China Tour, using the industrial chain and specialty towns as new engines for transformation. This marks the beginning of a new journey towards high-quality development for the ancient city of Pingyao. 

Bravely undertaking the historical mission, Pingyao will rejuvenate with vitality through protection and inheritance, delivering an excellent report card in the new era.