Core Viewpoint - The fifth China Arts and Crafts Expo (CACE2025) held from May 30 to June 2 in Fuzhou showcased over 120,000 exquisite works from more than 2,000 top craft enterprises and master studios, attracting 80,000 on-site visitors and 6.8 million online viewers, generating 145 million yuan in intended orders, highlighting the event's role as a platform for cultural exchange and industry growth [1][4][6]. Group 1: Mutual Learning and Cultural Exchange - The expo featured a diverse range of exhibits, including traditional crafts from various regions, fostering dialogue between northern and southern styles, exemplified by the Shanxi exhibition group showcasing "Yao-made Go boards" and the Yunnan group presenting unique ethnic crafts [4][5]. - The event served as a practical classroom for young artisans, with master craftsmen mentoring them on enhancing their work and engaging with audiences, ensuring the transmission of traditional skills [4][5]. - Educational institutions showcased innovative designs, such as 3D-printed ceramics and digital embroidery, indicating a strong connection between traditional crafts and modern technology [4][8]. Group 2: Economic Growth and National Strategy - The arts and crafts sector, generating over 3 trillion yuan in annual revenue and employing 13 million people, is positioned as a vital part of national strategy, with the expo acting as a catalyst for economic growth [6][8]. - The event successfully integrated sales channels, achieving approximately 30 million yuan in on-site transactions, with online pre-sales reaching 15.3 million yuan and live sales at 4.8 million yuan, demonstrating a significant boost in consumer engagement [6][8]. - The "Baihe Cup" design competition received over 2,800 entries, showcasing innovation in traditional crafts and reinforcing the commitment to quality and excellence in the industry [8]. Group 3: Promoting Chinese Craftsmanship Globally - The expo garnered extensive media coverage, with over 100 major outlets reporting and a total online readership exceeding 120 million, indicating a strong public interest in Chinese arts and crafts [9]. - Fuzhou, as the host city, highlighted its status as the "Capital of Chinese Arts and Crafts," with local crafts like Dehua porcelain integrating traditional techniques with modern technology to attract younger audiences [9]. - The event established a platform for showcasing the diversity and high standards of Chinese craftsmanship, facilitating its recognition both domestically and internationally [9][10]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The fifth expo concluded successfully, with plans for the sixth edition scheduled for May 29 to June 1, 2026, continuing to promote the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional crafts [10][11]. - The expo aims to bridge the gap between ancient techniques and contemporary practices, contributing to the cultural and industrial landscape of China [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the journey of Li Yaohua, a master silversmith from Yunnan, who has successfully blended traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to enhance the quality and appeal of Heqing silverware, while also focusing on training the next generation of artisans [4][10][12]. Group 1: Background and History - The silverware craftsmanship in Heqing has a history of over 1,000 years, with generations of artisans contributing to the local brand [4]. - Li Yaohua, a 39-year-old Bai ethnic silversmith, is recognized as a provincial representative inheritor of the "Heqing silverware forging technique" [4][10]. Group 2: Personal Journey and Skill Development - After completing middle school, Li Yaohua apprenticed with his uncle and traveled to various regions to learn silverware making, eventually mastering the craft by the age of 19 [6]. - He made a pivotal decision to leave his established business to learn modern techniques in Shanghai, where he spent five years refining his skills, particularly in detailed engraving [7][8]. Group 3: Innovations and Techniques - Li Yaohua developed new engraving tools that are smaller and more efficient, allowing for intricate designs that were previously difficult to achieve [9]. - He introduced the "inlaid engraving" technique, which combines gold, silver, and copper to create three-dimensional patterns, enhancing the aesthetic quality of the products [9]. Group 4: Training and Legacy - Li Yaohua has trained over 60 apprentices in the past decade, emphasizing the importance of artistic skills and practical experience in silverware making [11]. - His workshop has become a training base for local artisans and students, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Heqing silverware craftsmanship [11][12]. Group 5: Economic Impact and Market Reach - The "Heqing silversmith" brand has gained national recognition, with over 1,500 households engaged in silver handicraft production, directly employing over 5,600 individuals [12]. - The increasing popularity of Heqing silverware has led to a broader market reach, with products being sold across the country [12].