Visitors tour the intangible cultural heritage exhibition in Dunhuang on Sept 21. [Photo/silkroadexpo.gogansu.com]

One of the highlights of the 8th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo — The Gansu Intangible Cultural Heritage and Cultural Creations Exhibition — recently presented a rich fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern design through its four thematic sections.

Over 1,200 categories of items were on display, demonstrating the dynamic blend. Displays ranged from Pingliang dough sculptures and Qingyang paper-cutting to art inspired by Dunhuang, including popular items like the Gansu Provincial Museum's "Green Horses", which were inspired by a bronze galloping horse..

Live demonstrations by master artisans were a hot attraction. An inheritor of Shandan pyrography — a wood-burning craft from Shandan county —  created landscapes on wood, while a master of wheat straw art transformed ordinary materials into paintings.

Cultural and creative products also impressed visitors. The Gansu Provincial Museum's stand featured plush toys resembling ingredients of Tianshui malatang — a kind of spicy hotpot — while other designs incorporated elements of traditional Chinese medicine.

Everyday items like stationery and accessories featured traditional motifs in fashionable designs.

A collaboration also debuted gold jewelry adorned with iconic Dunhuang motifs.