Women display creative strength

There's a saying in China that goes "women hold up half the sky". No doubt, women have made great contributions to the country with their hard work, creativity and wisdom. On the occasion of International Women's Day, an exhibition in Beijing is celebrating just that!

International Women's Day, Chinese style. Some of the most talented women in the capital are bringing out their best.

Wang Shuhong fell in love with traditional handicraft at an early age. After 15 years' of hard work, she now owns a workshop with more than 100 skilled employees.

Wang Shuhong said, "I really love traditional handicraft. And I'm happy to see that more and more poeple share my passion for it. Some of the visitors even signed up for my class! "

A highlight of the exhibition is definitely the Peking embroidery, also known as Palace Embroidery. It is listed as an intangible cultural heritage.

The delicate fabric was used for decoration and clothing by royal families as far back as a thousand years ago. Liu Xiuhua is an inheritor of this unique craft.

Liu Xiuhua said, "Peking embroidery is renowned for its exquisite materials, skilful stitches, bright colours and elegance. Many foreign guests have taken my work home as souvenirs. "

The exhibition has been open since the beginning of March as part of International Women's Day festivities. Throughout the whole month, the Beijing Women's Federation will hold a series of activities to celebrate the special occasion.

Zhou Zhijun, vice president of Beijing Women's Federation, said, "You can see that the traditional handicraft has been well-preserved and inherited. Chinese Women have created happy lives through their diligence and ingenious skills. There are now 307 handicraft workshops in Beijing."