Qingdao leverages the implementation of the "Handmade in Shandong" initiative to continuously innovate its approach. [Photo/WeChat account: yunshangjiaozhou]

In recent years, Qingdao has used the "Handmade in Shandong" initiative to innovate continuously.

The city has focused on exploring product resources, developing unique industries, creating exchange platforms, and holding promotional activities. Qingdao aims to build the cultural brand "Handmade in Shandong, Qingdao Gifts" by creating distinctive cultural display platforms such as the handcraft festivals, Yellow River markets, and handcraft exhibition and experience centers. This initiative has promoted the scaling and branding of the handcraft industry, driving the creative transformation and innovative development of China's excellent traditional culture.

To boost the visibility and influence of the handcraft cultural brand, Qingdao has comprehensively made the "Handmade in Shandong, Qingdao Gifts" the main focus of its handcraft efforts.

So far, seven handcraft enterprises in Qingdao have been selected for the "Shandong Good Products" brand, the highest number in the province. The city has established 207 municipal or higher-level intangible cultural heritage listings and 22 old brand enterprise listings. Qingdao also boasts 10 famous local products, including Jiaozhou Black Pottery, and 20 handcraft villages, such as Zhangjiazhuang Village in the Qingdao West Coast New Area.

"The Yellow River markets have given us a great opportunity to show our work, allowing more people, especially from younger generations, to directly understand Qingdao's intangible cultural heritage skills. It brings art out of museums and into people's lives," said Chen Jie, inheritor of the makings skills of phoenix crowns.