An inheritor delivers a shadow puppet show at the eighth China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo in Jinan, East China’s Shandong province, on Thursday.[Photo provided tochinadaily.com.cn]

The eighth China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo packed in a big audience on its opening day in Jinan, East China's Shandong province, on Thursday.

The expo, running until Monday, is hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and undertaken by the Shandong Culture and Tourism Department and the Jinan government.

The expo is themed on protection, inheritance and innovation, highlighting the integration of intangible culture with modern life.

Major sectors showcase craftsmanship, innovation, rural development and creative arts in related fields.

A total of 211 intangible cultural heritage items are on display and more than 100 inheritors are present to interact with attendees.

The expo aims to showcase the achievements of China's intangible cultural heritage protection over the past 20 years since it joined the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Additionally, performances and workshops are arranged for the public to appreciate the charm of cultural heritage. Related brand launches and business matchmaking events are also taking place to boost exchange and cooperation.

An art performance kicks off the expo.[Photo provided tochinadaily.com.cn]

A display of bead embroidery work from southern Fujian province.[Photo provided tochinadaily.com.cn]

Inheritors demonstrate bamboo weaving at the expo.[Photo provided tochinadaily.com.cn]