Yichang's cultural products attract attention

By Yan Wanqin, Yichang International Communication Studio

A total of 65 cultural products from Yichang are on display in the Hubei Pavilion at China's most important annual international cultural trade fair, showcasing Yichang's charm to the world.

Since it was established in 2004, the International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) has become a leading event in China and an important platform to promote Chinese culture globally.

The Yangtze finless porpoise is an endangered and protected animal living in the Yangtze River near Yichang. A Yichang company, Hubei ICAN Culture and Technology Development Co., Ltd. created the animated character TUNBOO, whose name means “Yangtze finless porpoise baby."

A series of TUNBOO-based products were brought to the Hubei Pavilion. These products included dolls, canvas bags, hand-painted pillows, and cartoon notebooks, attracting visitors to take pictures with them. The character represents Yichang’s continued efforts in protecting the Yangtze River and developing a better ecological environment in a fashionable and creative way.

Gift boxes related to the Dragon Boat Festival and Chuci, a famous collection of poetry, showcase the traditional culture of Yichang.

In the tea culture experience area, famous tea from Yichang such as Chang Sheng Chuan Chin-brick Tea, Zhaojun White Tea and Yihong Black Tea attract many visitors.

The tea bricks are engraved with characters representing different aspects of Chu culture, such as Shennong (Chinese patron deity of farmers), Qu Yuan (Chinese patriotic poet), Wang Zhaojun (one of the Four Beauties of ancient China and messenger of peace), and Lu Yu (Chinese tea master). Thanks to the fair, visitors from all over the country have an opportunity to appreciate the art of Chang Sheng Chuan Chin-brick Tea, which is listed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Qu is a patriotic poet from the State of Chu during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). His works, such as Chuci, also known as a collection of poetry, or Songs of Chu, have been studied by the Chinese people for generations.  

Visitors can see Yichang Museum's creative products in the Hubei Pavilion, including the "Cute Bear Elf.” The product is based on the animal form and ornamentation of an Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220) gilt bronze bear, a first-class cultural relic of China collected in the Yichang Museum. 

Another special cultural product on display is the Changyang Silankapu Tujia brocade.

Silankapu, also known as "soil flower quilt" or "flower covering,” is a kind of Tujia brocade. With its unique craftsmanship and wonderful composition, it is listed as one of the five major brocades in China and in 2006, Silankapu was listed in the national intangible cultural heritage list. In 2018, the Changyang Silankapu weaving technique was added to the Yichang intangible cultural heritage list.

In addition, special performances, such as the Changyang folk customs performance and Yangtze guzheng and violin ensemble, drew applause. Visitors were captivated by the charm of "Yichang, the electrifying city.”

Guzheng is a Chinese plucked zither. It has a large, resonant soundboard made from Paulownia wood. The other components are often made from different woods for structural or decorative reasons.

In recent years, Yichang has accelerated the development of the city's cultural industry. The total annual revenue of its 497 major cultural enterprises has exceeded 50 billion yuan (US$7 billion).