Chronicles of Sister Cities：Spring Tie-dye Intangible Cultural Heritage in Jinan

Recently, Jinan International Communication Center, together with Xiuhu Community in Shilihe Street, Jinan Luneng Hilton Jinan South Hotel & Residences, and Everbright Yongming Life Insurance Shandong Branch, organized an intangible cultural heritage experience activity called "Roaming and Reading Jinan, Shandong: Spring Tie-dye." The event invited Li Jie, an inheritor of the "Quan Shui Zha Ran" intangible cultural heritage, to teach the process of tie-dyeing to foreign friends in Jinan and local residents, allowing them to appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese tie-dyeing.

During the activity, Li Jie, the inheritor of spring tie-dye intangible cultural heritage, explained the origin and development of tie-dyeing to the international students and local residents present, teaching them different folding and binding techniques to create various colors and patterns.

Before officially starting the experience, foreign friends were already fascinated by the various tie-dye handicrafts on the table. Unique intangible heritage products such as rose bouquets, handmade handbags, and skirts filled them with anticipation for the upcoming experience.

Foreign friends carry out tie dyeing production under the guidance of teachers [Photo via Jinan International Communication Center]

After going through the dyeing and oxidation processes, the works created by everyone were finally unveiled, revealing their mysterious beauty. Tie-dyed T-shirts with various patterns emerged one after another, each one incomparable and vivid. It is worth mentioning that the spring tie-dye technique creatively integrates tie-dyeing skills with the culture of springs, showcasing the profound beauty of Qilu culture and promoting the unique lifestyle of Jinan's spring water residents. It has become a "cultural business card" for the city of springs, Jinan.

Foreign friends displaying tie-dying works [Photo via Jinan International Communication Center]

This event, centered on cultural experiences, further enhanced foreign friends' understanding and love for Chinese intangible cultural heritage, building a bridge for communication and interaction between residents and foreigners. Through hands-on experience, foreign friends personally felt the infinite joy of inheriting traditional craftsmanship, continuously increasing their sense of identity and belonging to Jinan. While showcasing the charm of traditional cultural heritage, this event aims to promote Chinese intangible cultural heritage, including tie-dyeing and other traditional crafts, in a more vivid way, allowing Chinese intangible cultural heritage to reach the world.（Source:Jinan International Communication Center）