Francesco Bandarin, a UNESCO senior adviser awards a certificate of appreciation to Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on July 20. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Francesco Bandarin, a senior adviser from UNESCO, awarded a certificate of appreciation to the Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on July 20 to praise its contribution in promoting the Grand Canal culture and enhancing the global influence of Chinese civilization.

"The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is a valuable piece of cultural heritage left by diligent and intelligent people in ancient China," said Bandarin.

He also remarked, "The pavilion in Hangzhou has made a significant contribution to developing traditional Chinese handicrafts as well as protecting and utilizing the civilization of Chinese craftsmanship and the culture of the Grand Canal."

Covering an area of 3,000 square meters, the Hangzhou Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion was built in May 2011. It is Zhejiang's first exhibition hall that combines the functions of interactive teaching, folk art performances, and hands-on practices.

Over 20 intangible cultural heritages including bamboo weaving and embroidery are demonstrated by masters of arts and crafts at the pavilion.

Over the years, the pavilion has acted as a platform where residents and tourists can take part in assorted cultural activities including traditional Chinese paper art, practicing paper-cutting and painting on oiled paper umbrellas.

The Workmanship Demonstration Pavilion in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]