Linyi Small Commodities City in Shandong province draws consumers to purchase here. [Photo/WeChat account: lanshantradecity]

Linyi Small Commodities City in Shandong province is redefining market development by integrating traditional wholesale trade with cultural and tourism elements, evolving into a vibrant destination that blends commerce, cultural experiences, and leisure. 

"We're not just here to sell products," said Wang Guifang, head of Linyi Songtian Stationery Co Ltd, which has been designated a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage workshop in Shandong. 

Speaking at the ICH Experience Center in Linyi Small Commodities City, Wang noted, "We integrate cultural heritage into the shopping experience by setting up interactive zones for paper-cutting and puzzle-making, giving visitors a chance to engage with traditional crafts firsthand".

Inside the center, visitors can also find more than 400 intricate paper-cutting products, which are themed around the 24 solar terms, Linyi landmarks, historical figures, and revolutionary traditions.

Adjacent to the ICH center is the Lantian Premium Products Exhibition Hall, featuring over 1,000 creative items such as toys and stationery. A vendor representative said the hall draws over 100 shoppers daily, helping to foster a distinct blend of culture and commerce.

To enhance the tourism experience, the market has also introduced curated shopping routes featuring specialized stores selling outdoor goods, cups, watches, ornaments, traditional inkstones, and decorative knots. Themed as a "sea of small commodities", these zones immerse visitors in a unique retail and cultural environment.

Comprehensive upgrades have been made to tourist facilities, including a newly built visitor center offering travel consultations, accessible pathways, mother-and-child rooms, luggage storage, and rest areas. "With updated signage, renovated restrooms, and improved bus parking zones, we are fully integrating tourism services into the market ecosystem," said Wang Jian, deputy manager of Linyi Small Commodities City.