The Xi’an Investment & Trade Fair is not only a place for making business deals, but also a place where cultural artifacts come to life. Folk performances and handicrafts are featured at the fair, giving the commercial event a cultural boost.

The historical city of Xi’an is hosting the 17th Investment & Trade Fair, attracting traders from home and abroad. What’s significant about this fair is that all of the items here are included on the national or provincial cultural heritage list.

These performances, which include stiltwalking, gong and drum playing and puppeteering, are all part of Shaanxi’s local heritage. Traditionally a part of local celebrations, they now enjoy national protection, and are often featured at major cultural events.

All these heritage items come from China’s western provinces. These exotic wood carved masks are from Guizhou province, while these vivid, rustic mud sculptures are made by folk artists from Shaanxi’s Fengxiang county. This elaborately illustrated scroll painting is from Tibet, and these stone carvings are from Shaanxi’s Suide county. Traders and tourists can marvel at the beauty of these unique folk arts.

Audience Member said, “The fair has gathered these distinguished cultural items from China’s west. It’s a treat for us visitors.”

The trade fair is another effort to bring aspects of China’s cultural heritage out of museums, allowing people to appreciate them in real life and even become collectors of the valued items. Organizers of such events all agree that it’s the best way to keep these old crafts and performances alive.