In the intersection of contemporary cultural heritage and economic development, Zhoukou in Henan Province has infused traditional culture with vitality through innovative thinking, paving a path where "culture thrives and industries prosper" for mutual benefit.

Facing the Xiaoyao Hot Pepper Soup, which now supports an industrial cluster worth billions of yuan, Zhoukou has promoted standardized production, established experience workshops and museums, and developed culinary tourism routes, effectively extending the industrial chain. During the Hot Pepper Soup Cultural Festival, food enthusiasts from near and far gather, and the influence of the public brand continues to grow. This bowl of soup has successfully connected sectors such as agriculture, industry, and cultural tourism, becoming a "soup of prosperity."

In Xiangcheng, artisans are not only mentoring apprentices and passing on skills but also bringing brush culture into schools, allowing children to fall in love with traditional craftsmanship as they wield the brush. In addition to premium brushes, artisans have integrated brush handle and tip designs into accessories and stationery gift sets, bringing "brush elements" into the lives of younger generations. Through e-commerce, live streaming, and participation in high-end cultural activities at home and abroad, this brush, carrying the legacy of millennia of ink and writing, is making its way onto the global stage.

The Huaiyang Nini Gou, once an ancient ritual artifact, has now transformed into a fashionable cultural symbol through diverse heritage preservation and IP-driven operations. Innovators within the tradition have extracted its unique totemic elements to develop a series of cultural and creative products, such as T-shirts and phone cases, integrating them into modern life. At the same time, through international cultural exchanges and appearances on programs like CCTV, the recognition and public awareness of Nini Gou have significantly increased.

Today, Zhoukou has established a three-tier intangible cultural heritage protection system at the national, provincial, and municipal levels, encompassing 10 national, 50 provincial, and 165 municipal intangible cultural heritage projects. By launching cultural and creative products and establishing new formats such as intangible cultural heritage workshops and specialized art districts, Zhoukou's traditional crafts are radiating renewed vitality.

Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Li Siyao