Ancient wood-cut toys still popular in Southern Shandong

Using a traditional Chinese brush, Fan Zhanmei paints a wooden car in the shape of a swallow. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tancheng wood-cut toys are a traditional handicraft, originating in Southern Shandong province. Its long history is also rich in local flavor. In 2014, it was recognized as a nationalintangible cultural heritage.

In the villages near Tancheng, a county in Southern Shandong province, wood in different lengths and thickness is used for the building material. People cut out the shape of a toy with a lathe, and follow a succession of steps to polish, color and finish the item. The toys' pattern designs are inspired by local myths and folk tales.