Keeping craft alive

On the two floors of the 2,000-square-meter Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Center, more than 200 forms of craftsmanship are already showcased, ranging from pottery to calligraphy, as well as embroidery, sculpture, painting, copper and metal handicrafts. Each art form has its own dedicated area, where visitors can understand, examine and purchase artworks produced by the masters and their apprentices.

Far from limiting itself to merely showcasing or selling the creations, the experience center goes one step further and allows visitors to physically experience China’s rich heritage. Experience stations have been set up and visitors are encouraged to indulge in their creativity to the fullest by creating their own artworks.

With the help of specially trained staff, visitors can try their hands at pottery, painting, or paper-cut, among others. With their creative urges satiated, the budding craft masters can purchase their own little piece of art for a modest fee.

“It is by physically and emotionally experiencing the various crafts that visitors come to really appreciate the art forms,” Ye Jing, Brand Manager at Yongxin Huayun, told Chinafrica.

Masters and craftsmen also visit the experience center, where they enjoy meeting visitors and sharing their passion for their art. These contacts and