"The customer base has also shifted significantly," Ma said. "At first, it was mostly elementary and middle school students. Now we see high school students, college students and young professionals."

　　His shop offers an all-you-can-create Perler bead package: 38 yuan on weekdays and 48 yuan on holidays, with individual projects ranging from 9.9 to 48 yuan.

　　But what has changed, he said, is the mindset. "Before, people just wanted to try it out. Now they want to complete a piece seriously, to immerse themselves in the creative process. They also share their finished works online, which brings an extra layer of satisfaction."

　　Yang Shudi, a 20-year-old college student, discovered pindou through social media. "What attracted me most was that there's no barrier to entry — even a complete beginner can pick it up easily," she said. She often visits pindou shops during holidays.

　　"When I'm doing pindou, I can focus on one thing completely. When I'm scrolling on my phone, my attention scatters easily," she said.

　　She added: "The entertainment from electronic devices feels fleeting and empty. But pindou gives me something concrete and touchable — a real sense of achievement."

　　Young people enjoy Perler bead creation in the pindou shop in Taiyuan on June 6. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

　　Creative experiences

　　The "handicraft economy" reflects a broader shift in Chinese consumer trends. Tourists and young people are increasingly moving away from material consumption toward immersive cultural experiences and emotional resonance.

　　Across Shanxi, specialty handcraft shops have sprung up — pottery studios, miniature scenic sticker workshops, 3D printing labs and more.