The seventh China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo opened in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, on Aug 25.

With the theme "connect modern life, shine with glamour", the expo showcases 284 intangible cultural heritage items highlighting China's achievements in protecting intangible cultural heritage since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012.

The five-day expo has four exhibition areas and also focuses on the important role that intangible cultural heritage items play in rejuvenating the country's rural areas and constructing a cultural belt along the Grand Canal.

Apart from Shandong, seven other provinces and municipalities along the canal, including Beijing, Tianjin, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, are taking part in the Grand Canal exhibition.

Moreover, traditional Chinese tea art and customs are featured at the expo, alongside a fashion show, a gourmet festival and a tea fair.

The biennial expo, which was first launched in 2020, has been playing an important role in promoting fine traditional Chinese culture, boosting the cultural and tourism industries, stimulating consumption, integrating culture and tourism and serving the country's social and economic development.

Inheritors from Inner Mongolia autonomous region perform Mongolian long-tune folk songs, a national-level intangible cultural heritage. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A handicraftswoman demonstrates a traditional straw weaving technique at the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Tin-carved artworks are on display at the expo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Traditional Chinese opera performers stage a performance at the expo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Confucian family cuisine is on display at the expo. The cuisine, created by descendants of the ancient philosopher Confucius, consists of a variety of dishes that were originally made to entertain distinguished guests. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]