This article is the English version. For the original Chinese article, visit 阅读中文原文.
On January 24, 2026, Baoding city in Hebei Province launched its highly anticipated “Gathering Baoding for a New Start” New Year Shopping Fair — and Gaoyang County’s textile heritage products stole the spotlight. As China’s recognized “Textile Capital,” Gaoyang proved that centuries-old weaving traditions can captivate modern consumers.
The 2026 Baoding New Year Shopping Fair features seven core zones including textile exhibitions, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and live-streaming sales. Photo: Gaoyang Youpin
The Baoding New Year Shopping Festival: A Government-Backed Consumer Celebration
Under the theme “Gathering Baoding for a New Start — A Lucky Beginning to the New Year,” the fair opened at D19 Block Plaza in Jingxiu District. Using a “government-organized, multi-party coordinated” model, it brought together 22 counties and districts across Baoding to showcase over 1,000 premium specialty products.
The event spanned seven functional zones:
- New Year Goods Exhibition — local specialties from every county
- Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Experience — live craft demonstrations
- Culinary Delights — Baoding’s signature flavors
- Spring Festival Culture — festive decorations and art
- Trunk Market — car show meets outdoor bazaar
- University Creative Zone — campus-designed cultural products
- Live-Streaming Sales — nationwide online shopping access
The main exhibition ran for two days, while coordinated county-level events continued through February 2026.
Gaoyang: Where Textile Heritage Meets Modern Innovation
As the “Textile Capital of China,” Gaoyang County set up one of the fair’s most popular booths, displaying its complete textile product range — from everyday towels and bath towels to luxury home textile gift collections.
The Gaoyang County booth showcases coral fleece towels, bath linens, and luxury home textile gift collections. Photo: Gaoyang Youpin
The GAOYANG premium home textile line and the “Cimu Zhizi” (Mother’s Weaving) brand gift sets drew significant attention for their blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. These products represent the evolution of Gaoyang’s textile industry from basic manufacturing to brand-driven, design-forward home textiles.
Two Viral Products That Captured Hearts at the Fair
Two products from the Gaoyang booth became instant sensations:
- “Bujiaolv” (No Worries) Creative Hand Towel — Crafted from premium Gaoyang coral fleece, this towel features a Chinese cabbage design symbolizing “wealth pouring in.” At just 11 yuan (about $1.50), it became the must-buy Spring Festival gift among young consumers.
- Traditional Cloth Tiger ICH Handicraft — With vibrant colors and charming proportions, this handcrafted cloth tiger embodies the traditional belief of warding off evil spirits and inviting blessings. It is one of Baoding region’s most iconic folk art traditions.
Featured Gaoyang products: the viral “Bujiaolv” coral fleece hand towel and traditional cloth tiger ICH handicraft. Photo: Gaoyang Youpin
The booth also displayed Gaoyang textile-themed creative photo frames that merge traditional weaving patterns with modern aesthetics.
More Than Textiles: A Showcase of Hebei’s Cultural Heritage
Beyond the textile exhibits, the fair featured an impressive array of Hebei Province’s intangible cultural heritage traditions:
- Copper engraving — Baoding’s centuries-old metalworking art
- Paper cutting — intricate festive decorations
- Caohe donkey meat preparation — a regional culinary heritage
The culinary zone highlighted regional specialties including Xushui donkey meat, Lixian pear soup, and Daoxiang Village pastries, creating a comprehensive sensory experience of Baoding’s cultural identity.
The purpose of this fair is to integrate Baoding’s premium commercial resources and build a production-marketing platform. This helps local enterprises expand their sales channels while providing residents with convenient, affordable New Year shopping options — achieving a true win-win for merchants and consumers alike.
— Event Organizing Committee
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Gaoyang textiles unique in China?
Gaoyang County has been a textile production center for centuries, earning the designation “Textile Capital of China.” Its products are known for premium materials like coral fleece, innovative designs blending tradition with modernity, and competitive pricing that makes quality textiles accessible to mainstream consumers.
When was the Baoding New Year Shopping Festival held?
The 2026 Baoding New Year Shopping Festival opened on January 24, 2026, with the main exhibition lasting two days. County-level events continued through February 2026, with online live-streaming sales running throughout.
What is the “Bujiaolv” hand towel?
The “Bujiaolv” (No Worries) hand towel is made from premium Gaoyang coral fleece. Its Chinese cabbage design plays on a homophone meaning “wealth pouring in,” making it both practical and symbolically auspicious. At 11 yuan, it became one of the most popular Spring Festival gifts at the 2026 fair.
Where is Gaoyang County?
Gaoyang County is located in Baoding, Hebei Province, approximately 60 kilometers south of Beijing. It is renowned as the “Textile Capital of China” for its centuries-old weaving traditions and modern textile manufacturing capabilities.
What is the cloth tiger in Chinese culture?
The traditional cloth tiger is a handcrafted folk art piece believed to ward off evil spirits and bring blessings. In Baoding, cloth tigers are iconic cultural artifacts passed down through generations, often made for children during festivals as protective talismans.
Can I buy Gaoyang textile products online?
Yes, Gaoyang textile products are available through the official Gaoyang Youpin platform and various e-commerce channels. The 2026 New Year Shopping Fair also featured live-streaming sales, making products accessible to buyers nationwide.
What is intangible cultural heritage (ICH)?
Intangible cultural heritage refers to traditional practices, skills, and knowledge passed down through generations. In Gaoyang, ICH textile techniques include traditional weaving methods, hand-dyeing processes, and the crafting of decorative textile items like cloth tigers and heritage-patterned fabrics.
How does the fair support the regional economy?
The fair connects local producers directly with consumers, expanding sales channels while providing affordable, authentic products. This model drives merchant revenue growth, consumer satisfaction, and regional economic development through consumption upgrading.
Source: Based on reports from People’s Daily Hebei Channel, Baoding Daily, and Baoding Evening News. Original article published on Gaoyang Youpin.
中文版本：阅读中文原文 — 2026年1月24日保定”聚保迎新”年货大集盛大启幕 高阳县纺织非遗好物惊艳亮相