Crafts, heritage brighten up Guizhou

Locals dressed up in Miao ethnic group attire are ready for their traditional "long-table banquet" in Danzhai Wanda village in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture in Guizhou province. [Photo Provided to China Daily]

Since its opening in 2017, the scenic area has attracted more than 19 million tourists to its picturesque scenery and architecture, exotic ethnic culture and intangible cultural heritage activities.

Walking along a street lined with traditional architectural buildings, tourists can learn more about the Miao ethnic group's traditional silver ornaments and embroidery. In one store, tourists can learn how to dye a handkerchief in traditional batik style.

At night, tourists can take a breathtaking walk across a transparent glass bridge above the river, dress up in traditional Miao costumes to take photos, and soak in the relaxing hot springs.

There is also a chance to rub shoulders with intangible cultural heritage inheritors.

Wang Dengshu learned the art of making animal-shaped clay whistles at the age of 18. His elegant colorful whistles are often shaped into animals from the Chinese zodiac.

Since 2015, the 52-year-old has been invited to showcase his craftsmanship at the Guizhou Provincial Museum in Guiyang, along with other national intangible cultural heritage inheritors. They are also offered subsidies when they visit other cities for exhibitions.