Kaohsiung Travel Fair Showcases Fujian’s Unique Heritage with Hands-On Lacquerware Demonstrations and Nanyin Music Performances

Published on November 30, 2025

Fujian, a province steeped in centuries of rich history, cultural depth, and breathtaking landscapes, took center stage at the 2025 Kaohsiung Winter International Travel Fair in Taiwan. This captivating event, held from November 28 to December 1, has attracted an eager audience from across Taiwan, where visitors can experience the timeless beauty of Fujian’s intangible cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and local specialties. The fair provided a unique platform for visitors to connect with Fujian’s artistic soul through live demonstrations, art performances, and an immersive cultural experience that highlights the province’s prominent role in Chinese cultural preservation.

Introduction to Fujian’s Cultural and Tourism Appeal

Located along China’s southeast coast, Fujian Province is a treasure trove of natural beauty, ancient traditions, and diverse culture. Known for its historical sites, rich folklore, and impressive craftsmanship, Fujian stands out as an essential destination for those seeking to explore the roots of Minnan culture, bodiless lacquerware, and the Nanyin music genre. It is not just a place to visit but an opportunity to dive deep into the essence of Chinese civilization, from heritage sites like the Mazu Temple to culinary delights, traditional crafts, and vibrant local customs.

At the Kaohsiung Winter International Travel Fair, Fujian’s contribution was nothing short of spectacular, as visitors were treated to live demonstrations of lacquerware art, performances of Nanyin music, and displays of local products like Pien Tze Huang Pearl Cream and preserved olives. These offerings underscored the province’s ability to blend ancient traditions with modern tourism while fostering a deep connection to its cultural roots.

The Kaohsiung Travel Fair itself became an exceptional opportunity to showcase the timeless craftsmanship and the evolving tourism potential of Fujian, with a focus on its ability to attract visitors seeking a more authentic, cultural experience. The province’s offerings include everything from traditional lacquer painting to locally grown and baked tea, creating a compelling reason for travelers to visit and experience the depth of Fujian’s cultural richness.

Fujian’s Lacquer Art: A Craft of Elegance and Precision

At the heart of Fujian’s presentation was lacquerware art, an ancient practice that has been handed down through generations. Huang Shou-kun, a renowned lacquerware artist, demonstrated this art at his booth at the fair. Visitors could see firsthand how lacquer pigments, in vibrant shades of yellow, red, and blue, were introduced into a small tank of water and then used to create intricate designs on miniature fans.

• A Unique Art Experience: Huang’s live demonstrations allowed visitors to create their own miniature lacquer-painted fans in less than 30 seconds. This engaging hands-on experience gave fairgoers a deeper understanding of Fujian’s traditional crafts, making it an unforgettable part of their visit.
• Cultural Immersion: The demonstration, complemented by explanations of lacquer applications on a variety of items such as umbrellas, cups, and sculptures, captivated those interested in learning about the intersection of art and daily life in Fujian.
• A Gateway to Fujian’s Artistic Heritage: For many attendees, this experience sparked an interest in visiting Fujian to explore the roots of lacquerware in its home province, gaining a deeper appreciation of the artistry behind this unique form of craftsmanship.

Nanyin Music: A Soundtrack to Fujian’s Cultural Soul

Another key attraction at the Fujian exhibition area was Nanyin music, a classical performance art that traces its origins to Quanzhou, one of the province’s major cities. Nanyin is one of the oldest surviving forms of Chinese music, characterized by its soft, melodic rhythms and poetic lyrics, performed using traditional instruments such as the pipa and erhu.

• Traditional Music Performances: At the fair, two talented performers—one a national-level inheritor and the other a provincial-level inheritor—put on live performances of Nanyin, showcasing the artistic depth of this UNESCO-recognized heritage.
• A Journey Through Sound and Culture: Visitors were able to immerse themselves in the world of Nanyin, with live performances offering a chance to explore the cultural and emotional depth behind the music, connecting visitors with the ancient traditions of Fujian.
• A Unique Musical Experience: With Nanyin now inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Fujian’s role in preserving and promoting this music continues to attract international attention. It was clear at the travel fair that the province is dedicated to keeping this unique form of music alive for future generations.

Local Specialties: A Taste of Fujian’s Culinary and Artistic Delights

Beyond the arts, Fujian’s culinary delights and local products were prominently featured at the fair. Visitors had the opportunity to explore and sample a variety of famous Fujian products, each offering a taste of the province’s unique cultural flavors.

• Fujian Tea: Sun Chen-ming, a regular traveler to Fujian, was particularly drawn to the distinctive flavor of Fujian-grown tea. Known for its unique aroma and smooth taste, Fujian tea stands out from teas produced in other regions, including Taiwan. Many visitors were eager to sample the tea and take some home as a souvenir.
• Iconic Fujian Products: The exhibition area also showcased other locally produced goods, such as Pien Tze Huang Pearl Cream, preserved olives, and dried longan, which quickly became favorites among attendees. These signature products not only served as a reminder of Fujian’s rich cultural traditions but also highlighted the economic diversity of the region.
• A Taste of Fujian: For those seeking to explore Fujian’s culinary heritage, products like preserved olives and longan became instant hits, as visitors tried and purchased them, bringing a piece of Fujian home.

The Appeal of Fujian as a Travel Destination

With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant local industries, Fujian continues to be a steady and appealing destination for travelers from Taiwan and beyond. The proximity between Taiwan and Fujian—just across the Taiwan Strait—coupled with shared cultural and familial ties, makes Fujian a natural choice for cross-strait tourism.

• Historical and Cultural Significance: Many visitors from Taiwan are drawn to Fujian’s historical sites, including the Mazu Temple in Meizhou and the nearby cities of Fuzhou and Quanzhou, where their ancestors once lived.
• Cultural Roots and Exploration: Traveling to Fujian allows Taiwanese tourists to trace their roots, reconnecting with the history and culture that shaped their families and their identities.
• A Destination for All: Whether exploring the ancient temples, experiencing traditional arts like lacquerware and Nanyin, or sampling Fujian’s culinary delights, the province offers something for every type of traveler, from history buffs to cultural enthusiasts and food lovers.

Conclusion: Fujian—A Province Rich in Culture and Travel Opportunities

Fujian’s presence at the 2025 Kaohsiung Winter International Travel Fair showcased the province’s commitment to preserving its intangible cultural heritage while providing modern tourists with a unique and engaging experience. From lacquerware demonstrations to Nanyin music performances, visitors were introduced to the heart of Fujian’s cultural soul. Alongside its rich heritage, the province also offered visitors the opportunity to sample local specialties, from Fujian tea to preserved olives.

As more and more travelers from Taiwan and beyond seek out authentic cultural experiences, Fujian remains a top destination—one that bridges the past with the present and offers endless opportunities to explore the beauty, art, and history of this fascinating province. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Fujian is waiting to welcome you into its warm embrace.