Wang Qin from Shanghai's Jiading district, an inheritor of Xuxhang straw weaving, passed through to the final competition of traditional handicrafts of the fifth China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo on Aug 5.
Xuhang straw weaving is a traditional and representative handicraft of Jiading's Xuhang town, contributing to the reputation of Xuhang as the "hometown of straw weaving".
It has a history of more than 1,000 years, with the handicraft technique first originating in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It was on the second list of National Intangible Cultural Heritages in 2008.
Wang Qin, one of the inheritors of Xuhang straw weaving and the only person from Shanghai to enter the final competition of traditional handicrafts of the expo, has dedicated herself to the inheritance, promotion and standardization of this national intangible cultural heritage for many years.
She has promoted the traditional art to university campuses and communities through teachings and activities. She created the works of art "Hai Bao", the mascot of the Shanghai World Expo 2010, and "Chinese Knot", establishing a folk art cultural brand. She also participated in the formulation of documents for straw weaving, including the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15) Outline for Xuhang Straw Weaving, and the Xuhang Straw Weaving Base Development Plan.
The fifth China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo will be held in Jinan, Shandong province from Sept 13-17, when the final competition of the traditional handicraft will also take place.