Shandong has launched its annual summer grand fairs, offering a rich mix of cultural, entertainment, and culinary delights.

Traditional Chinese fairs blend culture and commerce, creating a vibrant atmosphere. They serve as key platforms for cultural exchange, emotional connection, and business. By offering new consumption experiences, these fairs bridge the gap between local culture, rural specialties, and consumers, fostering closer relationships and promoting local development.

The fairs include the Yellow River Fair, the Grand Canal Fair, and the Ocean Fair, which opened in Binzhou, Dezhou, and Weihai, respectively. 

At the Yellow River Fair, visitors can enjoy traditional crafts like Zouping paper-cutting, taught by local artisans. The fair also features fresh local produce, such as sesame paste and stir-fried millet, which attract shoppers with their authentic, home-made appeal. The Grand Canal Fair highlights local antiques and cultural relics, blending history with modern commerce. Meanwhile, the Ocean Fair showcases marine products like fresh seafood and unique marine plants, providing a taste of the sea.

A craftsman engraves on a piece of black pottery at a fair in Dezhou, Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: dezhoufabu]

The fairs not only promote local culture and products but also offer new consumer experiences. Visitors can participate in interactive activities such as pottery making and traditional medicine workshops. The events, which run until late August, are supported by government subsidies and corporate discounts, making them accessible and enjoyable to everyone.