Core Viewpoint - The event highlights the importance of cultural exchange and the preservation of traditional crafts, specifically through the experience of clay sculpture, which fosters a connection between Taiwanese and Wuhan youth [1][6]. Group 1: Event Overview - The event took place on July 7 as part of the "Lohas Cross-Strait - 2025 Han-Taiwan Youth Cultural and Sports Carnival" [1]. - Participants included 11 Taiwanese individuals and 10 youth representatives from Wuhan, who engaged in a clay sculpture experience at the Guishan Chucai Taofen Academy [1][8]. - The activity was guided by Hu Zuolin, a representative inheritor of Huangpi clay sculpture, who introduced the key steps involved in creating clay sculptures [2][3]. Group 2: Learning Experience - The process of creating a clay sculpture involves critical steps such as selecting soil, kneading clay, shaping, drying, firing, and coloring [2]. - Participants learned to replicate a clay doll from the Tianjin "Mud Man Zhang" style, specifically the "Chinese Dream Doll" [2]. - Hu Zuolin provided detailed, hands-on instruction throughout the process, emphasizing the intricacies of shaping and proportion [5]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - Participants expressed a deep appreciation for the experience, noting the blend of traditional techniques with modern elements, which makes the craft more relatable to younger generations [5][6]. - The event allowed participants to appreciate the historical and cultural richness of Wuhan, as they experienced traditional crafts in a setting that reflects both history and innovation [7]. - Awards were given to eight participants for their exemplary work, reinforcing the value of cultural engagement and skill development [7]. Group 4: Future Initiatives - The event was co-hosted by the Chucai Competition Committee Office and the Education Department of the United Daily News, indicating a collaborative effort to promote cultural exchange [8]. - Future initiatives will continue to support cultural exchange projects between Han and Taiwanese youth, aiming to deepen cultural and national identity through shared experiences [8].

Core Perspective - The article highlights the innovative transformation of birch bark craftsmanship from practical utility to artistic expression, led by the master craftsman Fu Zhanxiang, who integrates traditional techniques with modern artistic methods [2][3][4]. Group 1: Craftsmanship Techniques - Birch bark is noted for its waterproof and anti-corrosive properties, making it lightweight and durable for crafting [2]. - Fu Zhanxiang employs traditional techniques such as mortise and tenon joints and fire hardening, while also incorporating carving and pyrography to enhance the artistic quality of birch bark products [2][3]. - The fire hardening technique requires precise temperature control, with Fu adjusting the heat based on the material's response to achieve the desired shape [3]. Group 2: Artistic Innovation - Fu Zhanxiang transitioned from practical applications to artistic expressions, experimenting with birch bark as a medium for painting, evolving from flat to three-dimensional artworks [3][4]. - He enriches the texture and visual depth of his artworks by layering multiple sheets of birch bark and integrating various artistic techniques [3][4]. - Traditional patterns from the Hezhe ethnic culture are incorporated into his works, reflecting cultural heritage and personal experiences [4]. Group 3: Educational and Cultural Impact - In 2009, a cultural heritage center was established in the Hezhe community, where Fu Zhanxiang serves as a cultural station director, promoting birch bark craftsmanship among students [4]. - Fu has expanded the educational outreach by becoming a guest professor at Harbin Normal University, turning the center into a practical classroom for students [4][5]. - New cultural and creative products have emerged from this initiative, revitalizing traditional craftsmanship and making it relevant in contemporary contexts [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the dedication and efforts of Yang Xirong, a representative inheritor of the lacquerware craftsmanship, in reviving and promoting the nearly lost art of rhinoceros skin lacquerware, emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional craftsmanship into modern life [2][3][4]. Group 1: Background and Personal Journey - Yang Xirong grew up in an environment rich in lacquer art, developing a strong passion for the craft from a young age [2]. - She began her formal training in lacquerware at the age of 16, working in a craft factory and mastering various techniques over the years [2]. - The intricate process of creating lacquerware involves multiple steps, including making the base, applying cloth, polishing, and finishing, which can take several months [2]. Group 2: Techniques and Challenges - The technique of polishing lacquerware requires thousands of repetitions to achieve a reflective finish, often taking an entire day [2]. - Timing is crucial in the application of gold leaf, as it must be done at the right moment for optimal adhesion and shine [2]. - Yang faced significant challenges in recreating the complex textures of rhinoceros skin lacquer, which took her three years of experimentation to successfully produce a piece [4]. Group 3: Achievements and Contributions - Yang's work has been recognized with awards, including the "China Arts and Crafts Cultural Creative Award" at the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Expo [2]. - In 2018, she donated her successful piece, the "脱胎犀皮漆瓶" (脱胎 rhinoceros skin lacquer bottle), to the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, showcasing the continuity of her family's craftsmanship [4]. - Yang is actively exploring ways to make traditional lacquerware more relevant to modern consumers, aiming to integrate it into everyday life [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the dedication of Liu Ziqun, a traditional colored sculpture craftsman from Shanxi, in restoring ancient murals and improving techniques to showcase their historical beauty and cultural significance [2][3]. Group 1: Restoration Techniques - Liu Ziqun employs a method of "current copying" to restore murals that have been lost overseas, addressing inaccuracies in Western restorations by using extensive research and reference materials [3]. - The restoration process involves multiple intricate steps, including layering mud, applying mineral pigments, and ensuring the murals can "breathe" to prevent cracking [4][5]. - Liu Ziqun has developed a unique method for creating mineral pigments, which involves grinding minerals to achieve various shades, emphasizing the importance of traditional techniques in restoration [6][7]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The article discusses the historical context of Shanxi's murals, noting that over 12,000 colored sculptures and 50,000 square meters of murals have survived since the Tang Dynasty [2]. - Liu Ziqun's work is not only about restoration but also about exploring the cultural connections between different historical sites, such as the relationship between murals in Dunhuang and those in Shanxi [7]. - The importance of passing down traditional skills and integrating academic research into the preservation of these art forms is emphasized, aiming to elevate the status of traditional crafts in contemporary society [7].

Core Insights - The company successfully showcased its traditional tiger head shoes and related cultural products at the Paris Expo, leading to significant sales and international interest [1][2] - The revival of traditional craftsmanship in the village has not only preserved cultural heritage but also provided economic benefits to local residents [2] Group 1: Sales Performance - Over 200 cultural products, including tiger head shoes, sold out within four days at the Paris Expo, indicating strong market demand [1] - The sales revenue from tiger head shoes exceeded the total sales of the previous year within just five months of showcasing in various cities [1] Group 2: Cultural Significance - The tiger head shoes are appreciated not only for their craftsmanship but also for their cultural symbolism of good fortune and protection [2] - The company has successfully integrated traditional craftsmanship with modern consumer preferences, enhancing the appeal of its products [2] Group 3: Community Impact - Local villagers are able to earn approximately 100 yuan per day by engaging in the production of tiger head shoes and other cultural items during their free time [2] - The revival of this traditional craft has created a sense of pride and economic opportunity within the community, transforming a once-dwindling art form into a viable business [2]

Core Insights - The article highlights the journey of Peng Nanke, who transitioned from various professions to become a guardian of traditional crafts, particularly focusing on the revival of intangible cultural heritage in rural China [1][2]. Group 1: Background and Personal Journey - Peng Nanke, at 49 years old, has had a diverse career, including roles as a teacher and photographer, before returning to his hometown to start a business centered around local delicacies [1]. - In 2022, he began documenting and reviving nearly lost traditional skills, motivated by a desire to preserve cultural heritage [1][2]. Group 2: Challenges and Achievements - Peng faced significant challenges in learning traditional crafts, such as making a raincoat, which required extensive research and hands-on practice [2]. - His efforts have led to the creation of over a hundred videos showcasing traditional crafts, with meticulous attention to detail in the filming process [4]. Group 3: Community Engagement and Impact - Peng initiated a "one village, one broadcaster" training program to empower local residents to document their crafts using smartphones [4]. - He established a workspace called "Nanke Courtyard," which serves as a hub for artisans to demonstrate their skills and develop cultural products [4].