Artists craft unique designs on clay panels at the opening ceremony of the Chinese and Foreign Artists' Celadon Collaboration. [Photo/Tide News]

The opening ceremony of the Chinese and Foreign Artists' Celadon Collaboration was held in Longquan, a county-level city in Lishui, Zhejiang province, on Oct 22, inviting 130 artists from 40 countries and regions to experience the charm of Longquan and engage in cultural exchange.

Longquan, a key starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, is famous for its traditional celadon and sword-making techniques, both of which are recognized as intangible cultural heritage items. This year marks the 15th anniversary of Longquan celadon's inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

At the event, local artisans showcased traditional Longquan celadon techniques, after which artists worked in groups to craft unique designs on clay panels, showcasing diverse subjects including Chinese landscapes, parrots, and pandas.

Anastasiya Huminskaya from Belarus expressed her admiration for Chinese culture and noted that this was her first visit to Longquan, deepening her understanding of both Longquan and Chinese culture.

Local artists have the opportunity to exchange and learn through the event and will contribute to the crafting of Longquan celadon art works through innovation and promoting Longquan celadon culture, according to Xu Shiwei, a local artist.

The artists' creations will be collected and then adjusted, glazed, and fired. By the end of December, a tent-shaped ceramic house featuring these creations is expected to be completed, according to Feng Jun, chairman of Longquan Wangou Cultural Development Co.