With a passion and dedication to this traditional craft, the two inheritors have traveled more than 20 years on the path of gourd carving, creating works that range from simple pieces completed in a few hours to large-scale creations that take years to finish. In their view, love is the foundation of engaging in gourd carving, and the accumulation of art and aesthetics is key to producing works that are flavorful and enduring. They believe that even with today's rapidly advancing technology, machines cannot replicate or replace manual craftsmanship, as these hand-carved gourds embody the emotions and vitality of the creator. In the future, they hope that gourd carving can be passed down in an orderly fashion, with healthy competition and systematic study, allowing this ancient art to continue to shine in modern society.

　　摄影师晓晨：用影像保护老城文化是使命

　　Photographer Xiao Chen: Preserving the Old Town's Culture through Images is a Mission

　　除了老手艺匠人，曲水亭街更少不了文艺青年的身影。摄影师晓晨在这条街上开了家名为“老城故事”的照相馆，用现代艺术定格旧时光。出于对老济南的深厚情结和对摄影的痴迷，他在这条街上给南来北往的客人拍摄了15年的怀旧感写真。

　　In addition to the veteran craftsmen, Qushuiting Street is also frequented by artistic youths. Photographer Xiaochen has opened a photo studio named “Old City Stories“ on this street, capturing old times with modern art. Driven by his deep affection for old Jinan and his obsession with photography, he has been taking nostalgic portraits for guests on this street for 15 years.