Photo shows a Songhua stone ornament. (People's Daily Online/Li Yang) Cultural and creative works made of Songhua stone from Jiangyuan district, Baishan city, northeast China's Jilin Province, drew considerable attention from both domestic and international guests at the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, which kicked off in late May this year. Songhua stone was carved into ornaments for tribal leaders in the Liao and Jin dynasties (907-1234), and gained imperial favor as the material for prized inkstones over 300 years ago.
Today, Songhua stone, which stands as a symbol of Jilin's cultural heritage and tourist souvenirs, is glowing with new vitality. Guests select Songhua stone crafts at the 20th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair. (Photo courtesy of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Jiangyuan district committee) Songhua stone boasts jade-like hardness and vibrant colors, making it ideal for inkstones and crafts.
Jiangyuan district, known as the "hometown of China's Songhua stone," is the stone’s main production area. Wang Qiang, an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Songhua inkstone carving techniques, often showcases his craft in his studio in the district. With over 20 years of experience, he has revitalized traditional techniques through innovation, incorporating elements of Chinese literati painting and calligraphy into his Songhua inkstones.
Foreign visitors experience Songhua stone .
