Laoshan district in Qingdao, Shandong province recently kicked off a promotional event to popularize local handicrafts and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items.

The district has three national-level ICH items, namely Laoshan folk stories, Laoshan Taoist music and Praying Mantis Boxing, five provincial-level ones, including Laoshan Taoist martial arts and Laoshan green tea making skills, 13 municipal-level ones and 51 at the district level.

Performers stage traditional dances in Laoshan district at a promotional event. [Photo/sdnews]

A series of interactive experience activities such as exhibitions, lectures, online shows and creative markets will be staged to display the charm of local handicrafts and abundant examples of regional culture. Local ICH inheritors will also be invited to display their exquisite craftsmanship to the public. 

Laoshan district has also been cooperating with colleges and universities to dig deep into historical resources and better carry forward traditional culture.

The district has launched rewards for representative projects of the its ICH items, giving one-time subsidies of 50,000 yuan ($7,185), 30,000 yuan, 20,000 yuan and 5,000 yuan respectively to newly selected national, provincial, municipal and district-level ICH items.

Laoshan kicks off a promotional event to popularize local handicrafts and intangible cultural heritage items. [Photo/sdnews]

More than 120 ICH promotional activities have been carried out in local communities, scenic spots, campuses, museums and commercial buildings.

Through festivals such as the "Shazikou Spanish Mackerel Festival", the "Laoshan Tea Culture Festival" and the "Laoshan Mountain New Year Blessing Ceremony", Laoshan has built an entire display system for local ICH items.