In the winding alleys of the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, visitors are discovering a new kind of keepsake: delicate dough figurines that capture the spirit of the region. This ancient craft, once reserved for festive rituals, has stepped into the global spotlight thanks to one artist’s vision.
Na Dinghao is a recognized master of dough sculpture and a guardian of the intangible cultural heritage of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. With roots in Uygur folk tradition, he has spent decades honing his skills—learning to transform simple wheat dough into lifelike animals, intricate patterns and miniature scenes that tell stories of desert oases and mountain trails.
Over the past year, Na Dinghao has injected a dose of modern creativity into his work. His “Uncle Naan” series blends classic Uygur motifs with playful twists—think dough pastries wearing tiny sunglasses or camels carrying lanterns. Shared on short-video platforms and artisan pages, his tutorials and time-lapse creations have sparked viral buzz, drawing viewers from Beijing to Berlin and beyond.
These sculpted treats aren’t just eye candy. For young global travelers and digital nomads roaming the Silk Road route, an Uncle Naan figurine is a sustainable, story-rich souvenir. It connects them to local heritage, supports regional craftspeople and opens conversations about cultural preservation in a fast-changing world.
By bridging centuries-old technique with 21st-century flair, Na Dinghao’s work embodies the power of tradition reimagined. His dough sculptures have become living ambassadors of Xinjiang’s natural beauty and cultural warmth—proving that with a pinch of imagination, art can rise and capture hearts around the globe.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
