A Huanglong Jade sculpture competition was opened on Sept 2 in Longling county, Yunnan Province.

Fine jade from many areas in China including Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen debuted in the exhibition hall, surprising the on-site appraisal panel. Over 250 products out of the 677 art contestants gained awards that day.

The competition, as a grand activity to promote Huanglong’s Jade industry, was held by the Gems & Jewelry Trade Association of China and other organizations.

The contest this year differs from the previous ones as participants competed in two different groups. Such division is out of consideration for Huanglong Jade’s varied textures.

The first group’s art pieces were Huanglong Jade sculptures with complex carvings while the second group mainly offered artworks with simpler designs in special Huanglong Jade classifications.

Shuicaohua, for instance, was a kind of artwork in the second group. The jade stone's Chinese name means water-grass-flower as patterns of grasses and flowers form naturally within it; the 'water" was added to strengthen its poetic image.

There are over 5,800 Huanglong Jade stores in China of which 3,800 are located in Longling county. The jade’s annual output value has grown annually since 2013 and has now reached over 1.3 billion yuan ($194 million).

The county is training more Huanglong jade talents. There are now over 2,000 Huanglong jade engravers who have brought home hundreds of awards from national jade fairs and appraisal activities.

The golden prize winner — Beautiful Rivers and Mountains.[Photo/ynci.cn]

A prize winner — Five Tiger-like Generals[Photo/ynci.cn]

Another Huanglong jade sculpture winner. [Photo/ynci.cn]

Edited by Peter Nordinger