Charm of Qilu · The Artisan Spirit of Zibo

It is often said that no one can leave Zibo empty-handed. This reputation rests not only on the sizzling, lively allure of Zibo barbecue, but also on the local handmade treasures that carry the cultural legacy of the ancient Qi state and the ingenuity of its craftspeople.

The glazed MOLLY figurine has brought Zibo's handicrafts into the global spotlight — yet it is only a glimpse of the city's rich artisan heritage. Liuli, soft clay figurines, silk, inner painting, straw weaving, cuju… every one of these crafts carries its own distinctive cultural warmth from the land of Qi.

Zibo soft clay is a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage. Rooted in traditional local clay-sculpting techniques, each piece is shaped entirely by hand through kneading, pinching, rolling, and pressing, then solidified at low temperature to become water-resistant and durable. The signature piece "Ma Biaobiao" earned the silver award at the National Tourism Souvenirs Competition, injecting youthful energy into this age-old heritage.

With a history spanning more than two thousand years, Zhoucun silk once bore witness to the splendor of the Silk Road during the Han and Tang dynasties. From delicately elegant scarves to vividly expressive silk brocade paintings, every thread carries the city's profound memories — making them a perfect choice for gifting to friends or keeping as cherished mementos.

Lupai inner painting, a national-level intangible cultural heritage, is one of China's four major schools of inner painting. Within the confined space of a bottle wall, artisans paint landscapes, mountains, rivers, flowers, and birds, blending the majestic grandeur of northern scenery with the refined delicacy of Jiangnan avian flora. One bottle holds a universe, showcasing the exquisite artistry of traditional Chinese fine brushwork.

Mata Lake straw weaving is a heritage skill passed down through generations in the lakeside region. Using natural grasses as raw materials, each piece goes through dozens of manual processes, and carries a gentle, natural hint of botanical fragrance. Today, this traditional craft has made its way abroad, sharing the simple, rustic aesthetics of the East with the world.

As the birthplace of world football, Linzi has carried on the art of cuju for over two thousand years. Traditional cuju balls, hand-stitched from carefully selected cowhide, were inscribed as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage in 2024. To hold one in your hands is to touch a living fossil of sporting culture spanning more than a millennium.

From thousand-year-old intangible heritage to trendy new collectibles, Zibo's handicrafts preserve the cultural roots of the land of Qi, and hold within them the warmth and heart of their makers. Every crafted piece is a story of Zibo — one that you can carry with you wherever you go.