These venues have become popular weekend destinations not just for young people, but also for families, friends and couples.

　　"As a parent, taking my child to do handicrafts has really helped relieve my parenting anxiety," said Duan Xiaojiao, a Taiyuan resident.

　　Her child just started kindergarten, and she finds that hands-on activities like pottery and baking allow her to spend quality time with her child while also cultivating the child's focus and patience.

　　Pindou has become a popular handcrafting activity among young people in China. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

　　Liu Zhifen, director of the Department of Mental Health at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, sees the trend as a positive development.

　　"Handcrafting activities like pindou are popular because they allow people to engage their senses and focus on the present moment, breaking free from mental exhaustion," she said.

　　"Each step of the process provides immediate feedback, giving people a quick sense of control and accomplishment."

　　She describes this phenomenon as a "positive return" from digital addiction.

　　"It pulls people's attention away from virtual sensory stimulation and back to real tactile experiences and creative work. It rebuilds the connection between people and the real world — a low-barrier way to restore a sense of reality," she said.

　　The slow, immersive pace of handcrafting, Liu Zhifen said, allows tense nerves to relax physiologically.

　　"Handcraft experiences provide young people with a safe emotional outlet. In the process of creating something, they unconsciously cultivate focus and patience. It's an excellent way to soothe emotions and build resilience."

　　Zhang Shurui contributed to this story.