The one-month exhibition of creative cultural products at Taiyuan Art Museum in Shanxi province which opened on Jan 22 has been extended to the end of March, due to public demand.

The exhibition displays around 600 creative cultural works, such as the Lego-like dougong blocks (traditional Chinese interlocking wooden brackets) and the bird money boxes inspired by ancient Chinese Xiao You wine vessels, made in the shape of owls.

Money boxes in the shape of Xiao You wine vessels, an ancient bronze item from the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). [Photo/Chinanews.com]

As a popular tourist destination, Shanxi has a large market for creative cultural products.

"It also boasts a large group of excellent craftsmen which can be a great advantage in the development of a creative cultural industry," said Wang Ding, curator of the museum.

"The challenge is how to develop products with local features, reduce costs and meet market demand," Wang added.

To solve the problem, Taiyuan Art Museum is taking action. It has established a ceramics studio with professional equipment and produced a batch of colorful porcelain plates made by celebrities.

"We will also provide custom-made services and DIY courses in line with public demand," said Li Huijuan, a staff member in charge of the creative cultural center at the museum.