Dragon-shaped lanterns. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

In preparation for the upcoming Year of the Dragon, Cai Xiaoxia, the sixth-generation inheritor of Rugao dough modeling, an intangible cultural heritage item, has been busy crafting dragon-themed figurines. Cai's figurines utilize locally produced flour and undergo dozens of processes, including steaming, cooling, kneading and shaping, to achieve a lifelike quality. Her work boasts a unique and elegant style and she once won a gold medal at an event in Birmingham, England.

Chen Lian makes dragon-shaped lanterns. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Dragon-themed lanterns have also become a hot-selling item. Chen Lian, another inheritor of lanterns, has been working around the clock as orders have surged. She explained that the production of lanterns involves more than 100 processes, from design, framework construction, and lantern assembly to pasting, and it takes at least two days to complete one. The lanterns are highly sought after in cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing, and Xi'an.

The hydroponic bonsai has been enthusiastically embraced by young people, becoming a popular choice as a Lunar New Year gift. Liu Xiaofei, director of a bonsai cultivation base, said they are receiving more than 100 orders every day.