Expats pose for a group photo showing their spring water tie-dyeing artworks. [Photo provided to english.jinan.gov.cn]

A traditional culture experience event involving spring water tie-dyeing was held in Jinan on Oct 8, attracting international students and expats from countries including Canada, Russia, Vietnam, Cuba, and Laos.

Tie-dyeing is an ancient textile art form. It is a dyeing technique that is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in China, and has a long history deeply rooted in folk traditions. Chinese tie-dyeing encompasses over a thousand different patterns and encapsulates the historical and cultural essence of centuries.

During the event, Li Jie, inheritor of the ICH item spring water tie-dyeing technique, explained the origin and development of tie-dyeing and taught participants to create different colors and patterns through various folding and tying methods.

Li Jie (left) teaches participants to create different colors and patterns through various folkding and tying methods. [Photo provided to english.jinan.gov.cn]

The participants tried their hands at folding, tying, designing, and dip-dyeing T-shirts while following Li's guidance.

After going through the process of soaking, dyeing, and oxidizing, the participants finally unveiled their spring water tie-dyeing T-shirts. Each piece was unique and brilliant.

As spring water tie-dyeing combines the dyeing technique and Jinan's spring water culture, it has become a cultural name card of the city of springs.

This event has further deepened the understanding of Chinese ICH items among expats. "I love Jinan so much, and I love the culture here. I hope to have a chance to stay here," said an expat from Russia.