Liu Minxia

    mllmx@msn.com

    RESPONDING to the Chinese president’s recent call for a renaissance of traditional Chinese culture, gift makers dished out a wide range of items bearing this theme at the city’s biannual gift fair, which opened yesterday at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center.

    The four-day 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Toys and Gifts Fair, covering an exhibition area of 115,000 square meters, has some 3,600 exhibitors from a wide range of sectors, including kitchenware, consumer electronics and stationery, according to Reed Huabao, organizer of the event.

    Qanten, a Shenzhen-based consumer electronics manufacturer that adopts Chinese paintings and classical elements in its products, said they are planning to design more products inspired by traditional Chinese culture.

    “President Xi Jinping called for a renaissance of traditional Chinese culture in one of his recent speeches,” said Chen Liping, a sales manager of Qanten. “We are designing a new line of products bearing Confucian themes of benevolence, righteousness, courtesy, wisdom and trust.”

    Qanten also has a “Chinese Dream” line of products.

    “We started doing so six years ago,” said Zhang Hongbo, general manager of Qanten. “Domestic demand has been rising steadily, especially in the last two or three years.”

    Another Shenzhen gift maker, Yijiaochan, which literally means “Zen at a corner,” showcased Zen-themed interior designs, kitchenware, and furniture. Yijiaochan also regularly gives classes on traditional Chinese culture.

    “Contemporary people are under huge pressure, so a slower and more relaxed lifestyle is what they want,” said Ding Wenming, a consultant with the firm. “We give people the chance to live a better life by creating the right atmosphere.”