The land of Anhui has a collection of treasures that once occupied important positions in Chinese history and people's lives, such as the "Four Treasures of Study" and the summer sleeping mat of Shucheng. Anhui is also a place of fashion and modernity, featuring world-class shopping centers such as Parkson and Times Square Malls. Upon starting your trip to Anhui, you might want to get a spacious empty suitcase ready.

 

Local Specialties

 

1. Brick Carving

Today, in some villages or counties in Anhui, one still can see some of the houses, where the art of brick carving has been used.

Brick carving was mainly applied to house decorations. The creator of this art was a merchant called Si Pao in Ming Dynasty.

As the influence of Hui merchants' grew along with their wealth, so did the demand for brick cravings. Later, it enjoyed a huge popularity across the country.

 

2. Feather Fan

 

Feather fan, a conventional Chinese artwork, is originated from Hefei, Anhui province. The raw materials for this traditional art are mainly collected from poultries, especially from the geese. After some basic processings, such as cleaning, coloring and so on, this traditional craftwork is then presented to customers.

Feather fans have a long history. Before 1950s, they were mainly produced by private agencies. Later, they were manufactured by factories, which were set up by the local government. In 1970s, those fans were exported to Southeast Asia.

However, in the wake of the popularity of electronic fans, the production of feather fans suffered greatly and the factories and its employees in the industry experienced a difficult time. But as the tourism industry flourished, The traditional feather fans gained revival.

Feather fans, generating gentle wind, are suitable for the elderly, pregnant women, infants and the sick.

 

3. Bamboo Carving

 

This bamboo carving is called "Along the River During the Qingming Festival"

Bamboo carving in Huizhou plays an intrinsic part in the development of China’s bamboo carvings.

In general, bamboo carving can be categorized into two categories: one is carvings seen on the outside; the other is the cubic carving on bamboo, imitating the figures of animals and human beings.

 

4. Wuhu iron picture

 

Wuhu iron picture, one of China's artistic miracles, are made by hammers instead of pens.

Due to its unique features and artistic style, iron pictures are popular among all the collectors from home and abroad since its birth 300 years ago.

The creator of this miracle was Tang Peng from the Qing Dynasty. He spent his childhood mainly as an apprentice in the iron shop and a painter used to be his neighbor.

Liang Tongshu, a Qing dynasty poet, once described iron pictures as an astonishing and amazing artcraft, rare and dear. And now iron pictures have been upgraded by adding creativity.

5. Wanshou Silk

 

Wanshou Silk originates from Hefei, Anhui province, and is a solid and durable silk product. Wanshou Silk has been well-known throughout China since the Tang and Song Dynasties. Lu You, a famous poet in the Song Dynasty, once described the silk to be "as light as feather".

Wanshou Silk got its name when local officials brought it as tribute to the emperor of Ming Dynasty in 1753. Quality materials combined exquisite workmanship contributed to its beauty. It is 7 meters in length with blue and white checks on it and is sold domestically and in abroad.

6. Dragon Shugong seats

 

It also named Shu Xi, which used to be presented as tributes to emperors. It was brought to the Emperor Yingzong of Ming Dynasty by an official named Qin Minyue, who was born in Shucheng, and the emperor was greatly pleased.

The fine skill and unique style make Shu Xi renowned in China and abroad. At the Panama International Merchandise event, it won the first-class bamboo industry awards and won the silver shield at the Nanyang Property Exhibition.