A program of the 2024 CCTV Spring Festival Gala showcased the exceptional talent of Zhang Beiyuan, a practitioner of dough sculpting, an intangible cultural heritage item of Xi'an.

Zhang Beiyuan showcases his dough sculptures. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

Zhang majored in sculpting from a university in Japan and later made a living in the animation industry. However, feeling homesick, he returned to his hometown of Xi'an after seven years in Japan.

In 2017, a parent of a kindergarten student recommended that Zhang teach dough sculpture to children at the kindergarten. This led to more opportunities as parents started recommending him to other schools.

Fueled by these opportunities, Zhang quickly improved his courses, incorporating elements that children enjoyed and adjusting the difficulty levels. As a result, more schools began inviting him to teach.

Zhang's creations feature various elements of Shaanxi culture such as tiger-head hats, tiger-head shoes, and cloth belts. He attributes his success to the rich historical and cultural heritage of the ancient city of Xi'an and the current state of urban development.

His dough sculptures have now reached countries like the United States, Australia, Belgium, and Turkmenistan, spreading Shaanxi culture to a wider audience.

He believes that to successfully preserve intangible cultural heritage, it is essential to engage with the younger generation and harness their energy. Over the years, he has taken on over 20 apprentices and taught more than 1,000 students.

His ultimate wish is to nurture more young individuals who can carry forward the legacy of dough sculpting, promoting Chinese traditional culture and sharing the stories of Shaanxi and China.