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Serbian youth pose for a photo at Shendang town in Jiaxing. [Photo/Tide News]

Haiyan county in Jiaxing, East China's Zhejiang province, recently welcomed 53 Serbian youth to Shendang town.

They were there for a cultural exchange program that combined intangible heritage and literary experiences. The visit included tours of a traditional brewing workshop and the Gucang Bookstore, offering close encounters with Chinese craftsmanship and artistic dialogues.

At the Shendang Brewing Factory, the visitors learned about the Huang family's century-old jar repair and brewing techniques. Serbian participant Bosko Ristic said the 40 years of dedication and one year of apprentice training vividly reflected the power of heritage.

Haiyan has broadened efforts for its preservation by involving new social groups and professionals, transforming brewing skills into a cross-border cultural link.

In the Shendang Gucang Cultural Industry Park, bookshelves displayed works by Chinese novelist Yu Hua alongside references to Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica. The discovery of cross-cultural themes, such as the friendship story in Valley Breeze by Yu Hua, resonated strongly with the group.

Haiyan has been using Yu Hua's literary influence to expand its global dialogue and share local stories internationally. Shendang's cultural landmarks are emerging as windows for international visitors to understand China.

Haiyan plans to further develop the exchanges, positioning culturally vibrant towns as key points for sharing Chinese culture and fostering mutual understanding.