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Participants pose for a group photo at the intangible cultural heritage event in Haining. [Photo/Haining Media]

Haining, a county-level city in Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang province, hosted an intangible cultural heritage event for expats on Jan 17. Seventeen expats from countries including the United States, France, Russia, and Poland explored Haining's rich history and traditions through visits to cultural sites and hands-on experiences with local crafts.

The event began with a tour of the Haining Local Chronicles Museum, where visitors explored exhibits showcasing the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

The group was captivated by a shadow puppet performance featuring classic stories. One of the highlights was an episode titled Havoc in Dragon Palace from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. After the performance, the expats had the opportunity to try their hand at operating the shadow puppets.

In the lantern craftsmanship segment, participants learned how to create the Xiashi Lantern, a recognized intangible cultural heritage tradition of Haining. They practiced techniques such as carving and painting, gaining insight into the meticulous craftsmanship behind this traditional art form.

Deano Delpleash, who has worked in Haining for eight years, commented on the city's livability and how the event deepened his understanding of the local culture.