Tianjin’s rich tapestry comes alive in Sculpting the Soul of Tianjin, a new documentary spotlighting Zhang Yu, the sixth-generation inheritor of the famed Clay Figure Zhang family. Tracing back to Zhang Mingshan’s arrival from Shaoxing in the 1800s, the film reveals how local clay transformed into lifelike figurines that captured the city’s evolving spirit.
Against a backdrop of historic concessions, bustling old streets, and a modern skyline, the documentary mirrors the duality of East meeting West and tradition blending with innovation. With the 2025 SCO summit bringing global leaders to Tianjin, it offers a complementary lens: celebrating cultural roots alongside diplomacy and commerce.
Viewers are invited into Zhang Yu’s workshop, where artistry and heritage intersect. He recalls being mesmerized as a child by the vivid expressions of his ancestors’ work. Today, he balances museum preservation with creative freedom, believing that the Clay Figure Zhang style may fade but clay art won’t disappear. This philosophy underscores a bigger message: preserving tradition fuels fresh ideas.
For travelers and digital nomads seeking immersive experiences, Tianjin’s cultural heartbeat is on full display. Tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from Zhang Yu’s blend of time-honored craft and forward-looking vision. And for young global citizens, the documentary serves as a reminder that authentic storytelling and heritage can shape the future.
As Zhang Yu leads us through kiln-fired masterpieces and urban transformation, Sculpting the Soul of Tianjin becomes more than a film—it’s a global invitation to preserve, adapt, and celebrate heritage in a fast-changing world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
