Sanzao Crane Dance and Sanzao Weaving represented the allure and craftsmanship of the Zhuhai town's intangible cultural heritages at the Feb 19-25 Yuexiu Temple Fair, sparkling alongside presentations by Hong Kong, Macao, and host city Guangzhou.

Sanzao Weaving refers to straw and bamboo plaiting that originated in Sanzao Town about 500 years ago. Handmade works include bamboo baskets, cages, dustpans, sieves, scoops, rain hats, and covers in various shapes, some as articles of daily use and others as presents. Prices range from 200 yuan ($30) to 800 yuan ($119), depending on how long it takes to make them. A local inheritor demonstrated the art, attracting a crowd of onlookers and buyers. 

Sanzao Crane Dance

With a history of over 700 years, Sanzao Crane Dance was created by studying the life habits of the birds and imitating their expressions and movements. In early days it was believed that donning crane costumes prior to paying Lunar New Year visits to neighbors extended lives -- the crane symbolizing longevity and auspiciousness. The dance was named a State-level intangible cultural heritage item in 2010.

Sanzao Town is home to Zhuhai (Jinwan) Airport and several hi-tech industrial parks.

The Yuexiu Temple Fair, which put on an extravaganza of cultural performances, culinary delicacies, creative bazaars, comedy festival, and lantern shows, received more than 5 million domestic and foreign visitors this year.

Sanzao Weaving

Weaving products [Photos by Zhang Zhou / Zhuhai Daily]