Photographers from Rennes, France, recently explored Jinan’s traditional culture and everyday urban life through an immersive intangible cultural heritage (ICH) experience in Lixia district.

The event took the photographers to Baihuazhou Historical and Cultural Block, where they took part in hands-on cultural activities, toured historic streets, and visited local folk culture sites.

At the Baihuazhou traditional crafts station, the photographers learned about efforts to preserve and pass down ICH in Shandong before trying their hands at traditional rubbing, a technique that involves transferring carved patterns onto paper.

Guided by an experienced artisan, they selected designs, secured paper over carved surfaces, applied ink, and tapped the paper before carefully lifting it to reveal the finished images. The designs featured auspicious 12 Chinese zodiac animals and cultural figures associated with Jinan, including poets Li Qingzhao (1084–1155) and Xin Qiji (1140–1207), connecting the traditional craft with the city's cultural heritage.

The visit continued at an ICH master workshop on Simin street, where the photographers viewed traditional crafts and observed local artisans as they demonstrated traditional craftsmanship. They also visited the Dabindi folk culture museum to learn about traditional Chinese residential architecture and customs.

Photographers from Rennes, France, make traditional rubbing prints at the Baihuazhou Historical and Cultural Block in Lixia district. [Photo/WeChat account: Jinan International Communication Center]