Yang Heying (L), hands out materials for making tiger shoes to a trainee before the activity on Sept 2. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

A free workshop on making tiger shoes opened in Baihuayuan community in Chongchuan district in Nantong on Sept 2, according to local officials. 

The presentation was given by Yang Heying, an intangible cultural heritage inheritor. Yang, now in her 60s, learned the traditional techniques from her mother when she was 22 years old.

Despite heavy rain, many people from different residential areas took part in the activity to make winter shoes for their children.

The shoes, with their bright colors and intricate patterns, are a traditional Chinese footwear symbolizing that a child will become robust and dynamic – like a tiger.

According to Yang Limei, Party chief of the community, the shoes date back hundreds of years and the techniques for making them vary in different regions.

Officials said the community has hosted many activities to learn about and support local handicrafts.