The second leg of a year-round consumption promotion event centered on intangible cultural heritage started on Sunday in Changxing County of east China's Zhejiang Province, offering consumers a diverse selection of intangible cultural heritage products and immersive cultural experiences.
This consumption promotion event, the 2025 Four-Season Intangible Cultural Heritage Shopping Month, aims to integrate intangible cultural heritage into modern life, enrich consumption scenarios, expand service consumption, and promote cultural tourism.
Throughout the second phase, which will run until May 21, various regions in China will highlight their unique intangible cultural heritage resources and local cultural characteristics. A variety of activities will be organized to foster consumer engagement, while also promoting innovation and the preservation of traditional crafts.
"This time, we've introduced 100 intangible cultural heritage tea-themed spaces, creating a unique consumption experience. We've also integrated tea with cosmetics, daily consumer goods, and even artistic performances. Of course, our intangible cultural heritage will also embrace modern culture and technology, forming a new business model that creates a large market driven by innovative products," said Chen Guangsheng, director of the Department of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism of Zhejiang Province.
Besides, a variety of heritage items, including tea, Hu brushes, ceramics, and figurines crafted using bronze-casting techniques, were showcased at a special fair. To attract younger consumers and invigorate demand for traditional heritage products, artisans are continuously innovating by blending time-honored craftsmanship with modern design, introducing fresh and innovative products to the market.
"During the first half of 2025, we have already achieved nearly 40 outcomes. Many of the shoes here are handmade by inheritors. Our goal is to showcase these exquisite skills and effectively promote them," said Song Tianyi, a lecturer at Shanghai University.
Second phase of 2025 four-season intangible cultural heritage shopping month opens
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
