Hou Zhixin demonstrates his creations based on ancient Chinese philosophy -- the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth thought by the ancients to compose the physical universe. [Photo by Zhao Fuping/ sdpcc.cn]

The Hou's shehuo mask has been listed as one of Jinan's intangible cultural heritages.

The 47-year-old Hou Zhixin has inherited and carried forward the family's craftsmanship. He constantly develops innovations in the ancient art to produce works imbued with rich folk culture and embracing diverse themes.

At the beginning of his course Hou demonstrated his creations based on ancient Chinese philosophy -- the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth thought by the ancients to compose the physical universe.

All the children were instantly intrigued by the exquisite, festive and amusing works and were eager to try their hands at creating them.

Hou introduced the historic origin and cultural implications of each mask as well as the painting techniques with straightaway language for the children before they got to work on blank masks.

"You can create your color scheme but you must remember that the color on the facial mask should be fairly symmetrical," said Hou.

Youngsters concentrate on painting shehuo masks during the fourteenth edition of the Shandong intangible cultural heritage classroom held on June 10 at the Shandong Provincial Cultural Center. [Photo by Zhao Fuping/ sdpcc.cn]

About 30 children took part in the shehuo mask painting class, all fascinated by the ancient cultural legacy.

"I'm drawn to bright colors like yellow, but also love light greens and blues. So I created my own shehuo mask with all my favorite colors," said Zeng Zhiqi, a youngster from a local elementary school.

"I'm very delighted that kids have so much passion, intensity and interest in learning traditional culture and craftsmanship," said Hou after the class.

A young girl concentrates hard to color a mask during the fourteenth edition of the Shandong intangible cultural heritage classroom held on June 10 at the Shandong Provincial Cultural Center. [Photo by Zhao Fuping/ sdpcc.cn]

Organized by the Shandong Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center, the classroom has been open every Saturday since March 4 in a bid to introduce and teach the province's intangible cultural heritages to kids.

Every course is taught by a State or provincial level intangible cultural inheritor and children between 6 and 12 can sign up for the classes.