The exhibition of characteristic agricultural products and handicrafts for 2014 kicked off on Jan 18 at Xuanmiao Square in Suzhou. The two-day exhibition displayed agricultural products and crafts from 17 towns in Suzhou, attracting many Suzhou citizens.

With a total of more than 50 stalls, the exhibition showcased a wide range of agri-products, including ao-zao noodles from Kunshan, vegetables and eggs from Changshu, and eco-rice and rice wine from Zhangjiagang. One stand sold over 100 jin (50 kg) of black tofu from Zhenze of Wujiang district in half an hour.

The exhibition also offered a chance for some people to display their traditional skills. Shi Hongde, a craft worker from Nanfeng town of Zhangjiagang, made reed flower shoes at the exhibition. The distinctive shoes stopped many visitors in their tracks at the stall. Reed flower shoes, made with reed flowers and straw, are unique handicrafts from Nanfeng. Although seldom worn by people, they are preserved as handicrafts by locals.

In addition, the exhibition hosted a series of activities for the upcoming Spring Festival, such as providing calligraphy couplets and introducing tour routes of well-known Suzhou towns. The exhibition gathered multiple towns together to provide more Spring Festival goods for citizens.