Folk art fair concludes in Changchun

The 11th China Folk Art Fair concluded in Changchun, Jilin province on Aug 13, with contracts worth 230 million yuan ($33.39 million) signed .

The five-day exhibition attracted more than 500,000 visitors to five exhibition areas with different themes at Changchun Convention & Exhibition Center.

The No.1 pavilion, for example, showcased the work of the winners of Shanhua Awards, the most important accolade of its kind to recognize excellence in folk arts and crafts in China, while the No. 3 pavilion exhibited jades and jewelry, as well as stone carvings.

Exhibitors from more than 20 countries, including India, Indonesia and Thailand brought a myriad of local handicrafts to the fair.

While there was a huge range of goods on offer, most were moderately priced and some services were offered free by distinguished folk artists.

Hosted by a series of organizations, including the Folk Art and Culture Communication Center of China's Folk Artist Association, the Office of Foreign Affairs of the People's Government of Changchun and the Cultural Industry Promotion Association of Jilin Province, the event has served to bridge different art forms and to strengthen cultural and economic ties between Changchun and other international cities since 2002.