CCTV9英语新闻：Fascinating display of Shanxi crafts at Culture Industries Fair（在线收听）

　　In Shanxi province, a myriad of arts and crafts are currently on display in the city of Taiyuan. The First Shanxi Cultural Industries Fair is welcoming guests from around the world to witness the splendours of the province.

　　A traditional drum-show offers a warm welcome to visitors here. One major attraction is wood carving. These craftsmen use red sandalwood, one of the rarest types of wood in the world. Wood carving has a history dating back thousands of years in China, and the furniture is of great collectible value too. Another interesting type of craft is carvings made from tree root.

　　Root Carving Master, said, "A lot of root carving is determined by the shape of the tree root. The artist works with the shape of the root to produce carvings. So the fewer strokes the better because it shows the artist is taking advantage of the natural shape."

　　People are also gathering to see this classic weaving machine. The technique is now an intangible cultural heritage in Shanxi Province.

　　"I’ve only seen one of these in textbooks, so I’m really delighted to see one here. Simply amazing!"

　　Over 1,200 exhibitors are taking part in the fair with more than 10,000 exhibits on show. The event presents the multi-faceted dimensions of Shanxi folk culture as well as its modern cultural developments. The fair runs until July 7th, and organizers hope it will provide a window of opportunity for locals and outsiders to promote and experience the unique Shanxi culture.