Nine Dragon Wall is showcased at the 8th China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo. [Photo/Haining Media Center]

The 8th China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo recently opened at the Shungeng International Convention and Exhibition Center in Jinan.

Haining's Xiashi lantern art was the only piece from Jiaxing and was featured in the "Beauty in Craftsmanship and Innovation" exhibition area.

This exhibition area showcased 56 traditional craft projects, focusing on the high-quality development of traditional craftsmanship. Xiashi lantern art, featured for the second time since 2018, highlights Haining's rich cultural heritage.

The showcased piece, Nine Dragon Wall, created by Sun Jie and Fei Zhitao, captivated visitors with its intricate craftsmanship. The work exemplifies Xiashi lantern art's techniques of twisting, binding, knotting, mounting, carving, painting, stitching, and pasting. It beautifully combines traditional painting, paper-cutting, embroidery, and modern craftsmanship, leaving the audience in awe. This piece previously won a silver medal at the 6th China (Zhejiang) Arts and Crafts Expo.

Xiashi lantern art boasts a history of over 1,200 years, gaining renown in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and becoming an imperial tribute in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Known for its meticulous and elegant designs, the art uses materials like rice paper, bamboo splints, and lead wire to create lifelike, three-dimensional lanterns.

Haining was designated a "Chinese Folk Culture and Art Town" in 2002 for its Xiashi lantern art, and the art was included in the first national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006. Supported by local policies, the craft has flourished, winning numerous awards and featuring in numerous national exhibitions.