A Cultural Inheritor's Mission
"I prefer being called a cultural inheritor," says Gulixian, who left her city job to safeguard local traditions in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Fearful that intangible heritage might fade with time, she and her husband started capturing rural artisans on camera, embarking on a grassroots journey from scratch.
Unearthing Intangible Gems
Traveling through remote villages, the pair showcase ancient Uygur crafts—from precise wooden block printing to vibrant wool felt art. Short video clips blend step-by-step demos with personal stories of seasoned inheritors, breaking down complex techniques into bite-sized, shareable moments.
Digital Storytelling at Scale
What began as a passion project has soared online: nearly 500,000 followers now tune in for her cultural deep-dives. Recent analytics reveal a 150% surge in views for woodblock printing content and over 200,000 engagements on wool felt segments, proving that heritage resonates with a digital audience.
Impact Beyond the Screen
Her work does more than drive clicks. It fuels sustainable tourism in Turpan and empowers rural communities to preserve their legacy. As travelers and digital nomads seek authentic experiences, Gulixian’s approach demonstrates how technology and tradition can unite to keep culture alive.
Her journey reminds us that heritage thrives when we step forward as custodians and storytellers.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
