International visitors pose for a photo at the Taixing Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]  

The second event in the 2024 "Discover Jiangsu: Feel the Pulse of Intangible Cultural Heritage Together" series took place in Taixing, Taizhou from June 20 to 21. Over 20 international guests from countries such as Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom participated in the event.

Participants learn the art of flower arrangements. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

At the Taixing Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, the visitors enjoyed a performance of the national intangible cultural heritage, Taixing Flower Drum, and experienced the art of Guangling flower arranging. The ancient practice has a history of over 3,000 years and utilizes stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots from local plants.

A participant learns how to make shaobing. [Photo/jschina.com.cn]

The group also visited Huangqiao town, renowned for its "shaobing", or sesame seed cakes, and a significant global center for violin production. In a local shaobing shop, the international visitors learned the traditional techniques from a master, gaining an understanding of how to preserve and produce the authentic characteristics of this ancient snack.

They also toured the Huangqiao Musical Instrument Cultural and Industrial Park.

Helen from the UK shared her impressions: "Seeing the young faces in the Taixing Flower Drum performance, and watching children diligently learn wood carving and violin playing, I truly felt Taixing's dedication to preserving its intangible cultural heritage."

Since its launch in 2012, "Discover Jiangsu" has held over 50 events, inviting more than a thousand expatriates living in Jiangsu to explore the province's charm.