The next chapter
Meng has made a point of adapting traditional techniques for contemporary use.
In Ili, she collaborates with Kazak herders to preserve traditional rope-braiding skills by using them to make keychains and handbags. In Uygur communities, she reimagines almond-shaped motifs found on embroidery, boots and wine flasks as contemporary bag designs.
Meng divides her work into three tiers. Artworks tell the stories — large-scale pieces intended for museums and exhibitions. Showpieces debut at fashion weeks — attention-grabbing but not yet accessible. Everyday products bring the craft into people's lives.
One of her best-known creations is a handbag that replaces kingfisher feathers — traditionally used in the Chinese diancui inlay craft — with carved and painted leather.
The idea grew out of her work in wildlife conservation. Meng has logged over 7,000 hours as a wildlife volunteer, participating in snow leopard and Eurasian otter protection projects.
"People ask me, 'Aren't you using animal hide to make animal images?'" she recalls.
"We use those conversations to raise awareness. People use leather products every day, from shoes to belts. What we need to protect is wildlife diversity. That's what conservation is about."
A portion of the proceeds from her leather products supports snow leopard and otter conservation efforts.
New connection
In July 2025, Meng opened a guesthouse in Kashgar's Old City, transforming 10 courtyard houses restored from centuries-old Uygur dwellings.
Guests are welcomed with a traditional water-sprinkling ritual, a custom in a city often blanketed by desert dust. Young Uygurs who grew up in the neighborhood serve as guides.
"The idea is to let visitors be 'neighbors for a day'," Meng says.
One experience includes a one-hour drive to Alzugul's village, where visitors spend a day learning leather carving alongside women in the workshop.
One young visitor from Hong Kong was moved to tears, saying one of the women reminded him of his mother as she was "so patient and kind".
Meng spent six years in Habahe, another six in Ili. She is now beginning another six in Kashgar.
"My biggest fear is that this work might fail halfway," she says. "I just want to keep it going."
Her goal is not just to keep her own work alive.
"I want the herders and farmers we've worked with to live better lives, keep telling their own stories, and see the world beyond their villages," she says.
