Traditional embroidery draws cross-Strait ties closer

Chen Tianci, born in 1996, is one of the embroiderers. A medical laboratory science graduate, she, like Wu, was drawn into the world of Xiabu embroidery.

"Wu guided me into this field. She taught me skills and life lessons and comforted me when I wanted to give up, motivating me to continue. Many people admire Xiabu embroidery, but few are as passionate as she is," said Chen. "Even on business trips, she always finds time to embroider something. It's like that's just something she must do every day."

Wu sees the passing on of Xiabu embroidery skills with a developmental perspective. "Transferring intangible cultural heritage essentially involves training more young talent," Wu said.

In recent years, Wu has collaborated with universities in Jiangxi, including Nanchang University and Jiangxi Normal University, to establish workshops and teach skills. She has also initiated traditional handicraft study tour projects.

In March, Wu was honored as a National March 8 Red-banner Pacesetter, which is a national honor for outstanding women.

"Many young people now come to the Xiabu Embroidery Museum in Xinyu for internships and social practices because they are very interested in and love Xiabu embroidery. I hope that more and more young talents will join the ranks of Xiabu embroidery inheritors, bringing new vitality to this ancient craft," Wu said.