Shanghai and Dali Prefecture, in Yunnan province, are deepening a cultural and economic partnership with a latest exhibition showcasing the distinct printmaking traditions of both regions. “Tracing Beauty in Motion — A Printmaking Exchange between Dali Jia Ma Woodblock Prints of Yunnan and Fengxian Printmaking of Shanghai” opened to the public on January 29, 2026, at the Oriental Beauty Valley CHANDO Future Beauty Innovation Hub. The exhibition, running through March 1, highlights a collaboration that extends beyond art, encompassing industrial ties and community support initiatives.
The exhibition isn’t simply a display of artistry. it’s a tangible result of a formal partnership established in 2021 between Fengxian District and Dali Prefecture. This collaboration, built on a “multi-level framework for cooperation,” aims to foster exchange in industrial development, public services, and talent sharing, with cultural exchange now taking center stage. The exhibition’s theme, “Mountains and Seas in Harmony, Beauty Shared by All,” reflects the geographical and cultural distance bridged by this initiative.
The partnership is also evident in commercial ventures. Shanghai CHANDO Group, a key organizer of the exhibition, has a longstanding presence in both regions. In October 2023, the company launched a limited-edition co-branded product, the Polar Holy Water “Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon” — Dali Edition. This was followed in July 2024 by the euspa “Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon” hair and body care collection and the Dali 3000 Sunscreen Set. Beyond product development, CHANDO Group demonstrated its commitment to the region by donating 500,000 yuan to the Dali Foundation for Poverty Alleviation during the Fengxian–Dali cooperation conference in 2024.
A Dialogue Between Traditions
The exhibition is structured to present the unique characteristics of each printmaking tradition. “Marks of Blessing: The Spiritual Map of Jia Ma” introduces the art of Dali Jia Ma prints, which originated during the Tang Dynasty. These prints, created using traditional woodblock techniques on Jia Ma paper, traditionally served ritual and ceremonial purposes, depicting deities, natural elements, and scenes from daily life, and embodying the cultural values of the Bai community. Alongside this, “Local Dialogues: Fengxian Printmaking Practices” showcases the Fengxian style, rooted in the Jiangnan cultural traditions, which blends established techniques with contemporary perspectives, utilizing detailed carving and layered compositions.
Dr. Chen Juanling, General Manager of Public Affairs at CHANDO Group, emphasized the significance of the exhibition as the 12th initiative within the CHANDO Art Program, coinciding with the company’s 25th anniversary. She stated that the company aims to integrate technology, culture, and the natural environment through its public cultural initiatives, and that the exhibition underscores a commitment to preserving and presenting intangible cultural heritage in a contemporary context. “We want to show how traditional cultural forms can continue to resonate in contemporary settings,” Dr. Chen explained, “while offering the public a range of participatory experiences.”
Beyond the Exhibition: Community Engagement and Festivities
The exhibition is complemented by a series of public programs designed to engage both residents and visitors. A Spring Festival Garden Fair and a New Year Shopping Festival are currently underway at the Oriental Beauty Valley CHANDO Future Beauty Innovation Hub, offering a blend of cultural displays, traditional activities, and interactive experiences. Visitors can participate in Jia Ma woodblock printing demonstrations, calligraphy workshops, and enjoy seasonal food tastings. A “Good Luck” installation allows visitors to share their New Year wishes, representing collective aspirations for the year ahead.
The Oriental Beauty Valley CHANDO Future Beauty Innovation Hub, located in Fengxian, Shanghai, serves as a central venue for these activities. Recognized as one of Shanghai’s Top 10 Iconic Cultural and Tourism Projects for 2025, the hub integrates cultural programming, tourism, retail, and public exhibitions, offering a unique space that connects industry, education, and cultural experience.
A Broader Commitment to Regional Cooperation
CHANDO Group’s involvement extends beyond this specific exhibition. The company has a history of supporting public-interest and cultural programs, including the Keyan Return Program for women in scientific research and the Spring Bud Project for rural education. Looking ahead, CHANDO plans to leverage the Oriental Beauty Valley CHANDO Future Beauty Innovation Hub to further develop a model integrating “cultural, tourism, commercial, and sports exhibitions + industrial tourism,” aiming to broaden public access to cultural programs and support sustainable regional development.
The Factory Store New Year Shopping Festival, running through February 13, offers limited-edition product sets and additional discounts, linking cultural programming with commercial activity and contributing to the coordinated development of cultural, tourism, and commercial offerings in the region.
As the exhibition continues through March 1, it represents a continuing effort to strengthen ties between Shanghai and Yunnan, showcasing the power of cultural exchange to foster understanding and collaboration. The next step in this ongoing partnership will be the evaluation of the exhibition’s impact and the planning of future collaborative initiatives, as CHANDO Group continues to assess ways to support cultural preservation and regional cooperation.
What are your thoughts on the importance of cultural exchange programs like this one? Share your comments below and help us continue the conversation.
Worth a look
