On Feb 24 in Italy, during China's traditional Lantern Festival, the first season of East China's Shandong Dongying Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition was held at the Melograno Gallery in Livorno. The exhibition showcased Chinese New Year festivities and intangible cultural heritage to the people of Livorno.

Exquisite intangible cultural heritage handcrafted products from Dongying are on display at the exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account: onlineshandong]

Elaborate reed paintings crafted from reeds at the mouth of the Yellow River, traditional folk art such as paper-cutting, and meticulously crafted cloth tigers were showcased at the exhibition as fine examples of Shandong's Dongying intangible heritage products. Alongside these, a collection of urban landscape photographs and art books themed on Dongying were also presented, promoting the city's rich culture and attracting numerous visitors from Livorno.

During the event, visitors were introduced to traditional customs of the Lantern Festival and the artistic features of Dongying's intangible cultural heritage. They enthusiastically engaged with staff, expressing their fondness for the traditional charm embodied in Shandong's intangible heritage products.

Expressing a keen interest in Dongying as an artistic and culturally rich city, renowned artist Andrea Conticeno marveled at the Chinese characteristics of the crafts and anticipated a visit to Dongying for artistic inspiration in the future. Visitors also had the chance to experience Chinese calligraphy and acquire Dongying's city mascot, expressing their intent to share the mascot with their family and friends.

Italian visitors take a group photo at the scene of the intangible cultural heritage exhibition. [Photo/WeChat account: onlineshandong]

In 2024, the Dongying Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition will continue to be held in Livorno, promoting traditional Chinese culture and Dongying's intangible cultural heritage to the local people.