Anhui province took center stage as Guest Province at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), showcasing its millennia-old craftsmanship to a global audience. Three iconic art forms captivated attendees: the iridescent Shouzhou Kiln porcelain, meticulously crafted folding fans, and gleaming Tongling copperware forged from local mineral deposits.
Tradition Meets Modernity
Artisans demonstrated how Shouzhou Kiln's signature 'tea-dust' glaze – a celadon variant perfected during the Song Dynasty – gains new life through contemporary designs. Nearby, craftspeople unfolded delicate bamboo-and-silk fans painted with Huangshan landscapes, revealing how traditional cooling tools evolved into cultural symbols.
Industrial Heritage Reimagined
Tongling's copper masters displayed both ancient ritual vessels and modern sculptural works, highlighting the region's 3,000-year metallurgy history. 'Our copper tells the story of China's industrial evolution,' explained master artisan Li Wei, polishing a replica Shang Dynasty jue wine vessel.
The exhibition underscores Anhui's growing role in China's cultural economy, with craft exports increasing 17% year-on-year through innovative partnerships between heritage protectors and tech startups.
