Traditional culture bridges Shandong cities

Zhang Kai, an inheritor of the Huimin clay sculpture, teaches the students from Qilu Normal College the production process of clay sculpture. [Photo by Chu Guoshuai for chinadaily.com.cn]

Huimin clay sculpture, a unique folk art in East China's Shandong province, has served as a cultural bridge between Huimin county in Binzhou city and Jinan, the provincial capital, for decades.

The art form involves using clay to create lifelike figures, animals, and scenes that reflect the local culture and customs. The clay sculptures are often plump and colorful, and express the joy and optimism of the people.

The cultural bond between Huimin county, where the art originated, and Jinan dates back to the 1980s when Xu Simin, a professor at Shandong University of Art & Design, visited Huimin and was captivated by the clay sculptures.

He then dedicated himself to supporting the preservation and promotion of this folk art for the next three decades, organizing exhibitions, seminars, and training courses to introduce Huimin clay sculpture to Jinan and beyond.

The first Binzhou Traditional Craft Conference is held in Huimin. [Photo by Liu Gang for chinadaily.com.cn]

On Feb 19, with Xu's backing, the first Binzhou Traditional Craft Conference opened in Huimin. More than 40 students and inheritors of intangible cultural heritage from Jinan attended the event to witness the fruitful results of cultural exchange between the two places.

Through the protection, inheritance, and research of Huimin clay sculpture, Huimin and Jinan have built a cultural bridge that enhances mutual understanding and friendship. (Edited by Fan Yuanyuan)