The 16th Cross-Strait Taishan Shigandang Cultural Week opened on Sept 5 in Tai'an, Shandong province, bringing together more than 200 guests and over 100 inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and representatives from the literary and artistic sectors on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Taishan Shigandang is a traditional Chinese folk custom rooted in the culture of Taishan Mountain in Tai'an, centered on stone symbols traditionally believed to ward off evil and protect homes. The tradition reflects people's wishes for peace and good fortune and has become an important part of the city's folk heritage.

This year's culture week features exhibitions, traditional craft demonstrations, cultural and creative product displays, and artistic exchanges between people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. A fair showcasing Taishan Shigandang culture is also being held, providing artisans with a platform to demonstrate traditional craftsmanship and folk arts.

The cultural week, which was launched in 2011, has developed into a key platform for showcasing Taishan Mountain culture and a venue for promoting people-to-people exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.

Visitors admire glazed artworks crafted by Tai'an artisan Li Xiaohua at a booth during the Cross-Strait Taishan Shigandang Culture Week. [Photo by Sui Xiang/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]