Tiger-head shoes made by local craftsmen in Qidong. [Photo/WeChat account: qdrmt]

A tiger-head shoe cultural exhibition center opened its doors on March 27 in Fengli village, Donghai town, Qidong. Visitors to the center are greeted by the lovable and lifelike tiger-head shoes displayed throughout the hall.

From stitching the soles to embroidering the tiger faces, every intricate step of the process is also showcased in videos, attracting villagers from far and wide to come and observe and learn.

A local artisan teaches visitors to make tiger-head shoes. [Photo/Yangtze Evening News]

Tiger-head shoes are a traditional Chinese folk handicraft, and their craftsmanship has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage of China. In Fengli village, tiger-head shoes made by folk artisans incorporate characteristic elements such as local cloth, presenting a unique form reminiscent of both tigers and cats.

In recent years, Qidong has established several exhibition centers and workshops to showcase and exchange production techniques of tiger-head shoes. A team consisting of over 10 members from different age groups is also formed to conduct skill training and cultural activities related to the shoes. The city has also created promotion platforms, including a live streaming room within the exhibition center, aiming to promote traditional culture and develop cultural industries.