In Hefei's vibrant community spaces, 78-year-old paper-cutting master Lou Liangying is bridging generations through cultural preservation and patriotic storytelling. A recent workshop saw local youth delicately maneuvering scissors through crimson paper while absorbing tales of military sacrifice – a dual celebration of China's intangible heritage and the August 1 Army Day commemorating the People's Liberation Army's 1927 founding.
"Each fold carries our history," Lou explained as participants crafted intricate PLA insignia designs. The event combined technical instruction in this UNESCO-recognized art form with oral histories of military service, creating what organizers call "living lessons in national memory."
Such initiatives gain particular resonance as China increasingly emphasizes youth engagement with traditional arts. Recent Ministry of Culture data shows a 34% year-on-year increase in heritage preservation workshops nationwide, with Anhui emerging as a hub for innovative programming.
Community leader Zhang Wei observed: "These hands-on experiences help young people understand Army Day's significance beyond textbook narratives." The workshop concluded with participants arranging their paper-cut soldiers into a collaborative mural symbolizing unity – a tactile metaphor for China's evolving approach to cultural continuity.
