Find Big Passion in Little Cultural Creativity

                                                                         Find Big Passion in Little Cultural Creativity

                                                         The Chrysanthemum Refrigerator Magnets from Xiaolan Zhongshan Go Viral

The Xiaolan Chrysanthemum Fair is a significant carrier of Lingnan chrysanthemum artistry and one of China's first intangible cultural heritage items. Enriched with cultural depth, it has evolved into a blend of gastronomy, culture, tourism, and cultural and creative industries. In 2024, a series of chrysanthemum-themed refrigerator magnets debuted at the Xiaolan Chrysanthemum Fair, becoming a hit among locals and tourists alike   

These magnets, featuring a unique combination of chrysanthemum art and iconic Xiaolan landmarks like Longshan Park, Fengshan Park, and Kangongyu, are creatively designed with exquisite craftsmanship, vivid colors, and meticulous detail. Each piece exudes Xiaolan's distinctive cultural charm.

This year marks the Year of Jiachen Chrysanthemum Fair, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the Year of Jiaxu Chrysanthemum Festival in 1994, making it especially meaningful. “Through these refrigerator magnets, we aim to promote and pass on Xiaolan's chrysanthemum culture, especially to attract younger generations to appreciate chrysanthemums and Xiaolan,”said a representative from Zhongshan Cugle Metalcraft and Plastic Products Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Zhongshan Cugle), a company that has been creating cultural and creative gifts in Xiaolan for over 20 years.

The designer, with an in-depth understanding of chrysanthemum growth and morphology, has vividly interpreted his vision of chrysanthemums into these finely detailed magnets.“The Fengshan Park chrysanthemum magnet features three flowers symbolizing different growth stages, from budding to full bloom. The design incorporates flowing sands in green, purple, gold, and white to represent the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter,”he explained.

Xiaolan boasts a long history and rich cultural heritage, with a chrysanthemum tradition stretching back centuries. During the creative process, traditional architecture and modern landmarks of Xiaolan were integrated. Through photography, selection, design, and production, the designer gained a deeper appreciation of Xiaolan's unique culture. “Craftwork is not just a product—it's a cultural vessel. With resources like Yin Xiu Temple, Miaoling Palace, Crisp Flesh Carp, and the Gaosha Ancestral Hall, Xiaolan's abundant cultural and tourism assets await further exploration, innovation, and integration. That's the direction we're striving for,” he added.

The creation of the Year of Jiaxu Chrysanthemum Fair 30th Anniversary series represents a new endeavor for Zhongshan Cugle. Looking ahead, the company plans to root itself in Xiaolan, expand into Zhongshan and the Greater Bay Area, and develop more diverse cultural and creative products.

While having a keen commercial sense is crucial, product quality remains the cornerstone of market success. Zhongshan Cugle has always prioritized quality to win customers' trust. With over three decades of manufacturing experience, the company has evolved from a small workshop with just a few workers into an integrated professional crafts enterprise encompassing design, production, and sales. Their product lineup includes badges, medals, keychains, challenge coins, refrigerator magnets, bookmarks, and more. Collaborating with numerous renowned brands, their products are popular both domestically and internationally.

In recent years, amidst changing economic conditions and heightened market competition, Zhongshan Cugle has proactively adapted by exploring domestic markets and implementing digital and intelligent upgrades. By continuously refining craftsmanship, the company seeks to merge cultural creativity with traditional manufacturing, thus preserving its legacy while fostering innovation.