Visitors appreciate exhibits from Taizhou at the 2024 Foire de Paris. [Photo/Taizhou publicity department]

A variety of exhibits embodying Hehe culture from Taizhou, Zhejiang province captivated visitors at the 2024 Foire de Paris held in Paris, France on May 1 local time.

Artists have ingeniously blended intangible cultural heritage with Hehe culture. On the embroidered handkerchiefs, the Rhododendron fortunei of Taizhou's Tiantai Mountain is intricately stitched, while the surface of emerald celadon is adorned with engravings of the "Two Gods of Hehe".

Tiantai county in Taizhou is believed to be the birthplace of Hehe culture. "Hehe" is a combination of two Chinese characters with the same pronunciation. The first "He" refers to peace and harmony, while the second denotes cooperation and integration.

According to local folklore, two monks named Hanshan and Shide once lived on Tiantai Mountain in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and were bestowed the title of the "Two Gods of Hehe" in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). They were usually depicted in paintings holding a box and a lotus stem.

Founded in 1904, the Foire de Paris is one of the world's oldest, largest and most prestigious exhibitions, as well as an internationally-influential platform for promoting culture. At this year's expo, Taizhou introduced Hehe culture to people from all over the world.

At the promotional conference themed "Discover the Beauty of Hehe Culture" on May 2, Taizhou representatives introduced the city and the history of Hehe culture to participants through videos, pictures, and several exhibits, promoting the essence of Hehe culture to the international community.

Taizhou boasts beautiful natural scenery and it is the holy land of Hehe culture, said Eric Duluc, chairman of the International Tourism Federation.