Born into a family of dough sculptors, Lang Jiaziyu began learning dough sculpture at the age of three. Her passion for traditional crafts ignited early, but she wondered how to keep these ancient art forms alive in a rapidly changing world.
Lang discovered her path by leveraging advanced digital technology. She digitally cataloged existing dough sculptures using 3D scanning, ensuring these intricate artworks are preserved for future generations. Additionally, Lang shared her creations and creative process online, spreading awareness of these intangible cultural heritages. Her efforts resonated globally, attracting over two million followers who admire both her art and the rich traditions it represents.
\"They are not only my fans but also fans of traditional Chinese culture,\" Lang explained.
Lang's journey highlights how young individuals are not only preserving traditional culture but also driving its evolution. By integrating technology and creativity, they've made cultural forms more vivid and engaging, drawing in a new generation of enthusiasts.
On the Chinese mainland's most popular video-sharing platform, Bilibili, a video by post-95 content creator Jiang Xunqian titled \"Girls Challenging the Millennium Skill – Iron Flowers, a Folk Art Performance of Throwing Molten Iron to Create Fireworks\" gained widespread popularity. It became the only video focusing on traditional culture to make it into the top 10 original videos on the platform in 2023.
These stories demonstrate a dynamic fusion of tradition and technology, showcasing how the internet is a powerful tool for cultural preservation and innovation among the youth of the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
Chinese youth embrace internet to revitalize traditional culture
cgtn.com
