Jinan is using traditional crafts to bring local and international youth together through a raft of hands-on cultural experiences.

The first session of Mingfu Ancient City's intangible cultural heritage-themed (ICH) activity for Chinese and international youth was held on July 26 at the Baihuazhou traditional craft workshop in Lixia district.

The event brought together 20 primary and secondary school students from Jinan and 11 international students from the school of international education at Shandong Jianzhu University for a collaborative workshop centered on Song Dynasty (960–1279) brocade pearl painting.

Instructors introduced the craft's history and techniques, explaining the meanings behind traditional patterns and demonstrating how to select, arrange, and secure pearls. The students then worked in pairs, using Song brocade fabric as a base and creating their own designs with pearls.

The session also featured traditional Chinese shadow puppetry. Under the guidance of ICH inheritor Li Juan, the participants took turns manipulating shadow puppets themselves. International students incorporated elements from their own cultures into the performances.

International and local students arrange pearls on Song brocade fabric during a cultural exchange activity in Jinan. [Photo/ WeChat account: zaixianmfc]