This summer, Shanghai's Jiading district launched multiple educational tourism routes — with Malu town introducing a Grape Harmony & Craftsmanship intangible cultural heritage or ICH program.
During the ICH program, kids are invited to explore fields, engage with nature and experience hands-on ICH activities, creating a lively summer learning journey.
On Aug 12, a fabric doll-making workshop was held at the Yiquhui (Yiyuan Culture) ICH Handicraft Experience Hall in Malu Grape Art Village.
Families stitched colorful cloth into decorative dolls, some adorned with faux dew-like pearls or colorful ropes, offering cultural insights and fashionable keepsakes.
A fabric doll-making workshop is held at Yiquhui in Malu Grape Art Village. [Photo/WeChat ID: sh-jiading]
The making process became a journey of discovery. Seven-year-old Jin Yichen worked with his mother: "Mom cut the cloth, I stuffed it — done!"
Ten-year-old Shen Qiuyin completed her project independently, overcoming challenges with threading and cutting, describing the experience as rewarding and fun.
The Malu Grape Art Village's educational routes have grown popular among schools, families and tourism groups. Yiquhui focuses on local ICH such as Jiading bamboo carving and Malu bamboo weaving, offering immersive craft experiences.
The program also features printmaking, shrink plastic grape-shaped jewelry and clay fridge magnet DIY workshops.
Leveraging its natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, Malu Grape Art Village has built a 1,700 mu (113.33 hectares) core area plus a 12-square-kilometer extension tourism space.
Future plans include bamboo weaving, Lu Ban lock workshops and other hands-on activities to develop a comprehensive educational and cultural destination.