In the historic city of Tianjin – set to host the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meetings – a cultural exchange unfolded as Zoon Ahmed Khan, a Pakistani researcher, immersed herself in the centuries-old Yangliuqing Woodblock New Year Print tradition. Guided by inheritor Xi Wang, Khan crafted her first woodblock print titled "Journey to the West,\” blending folklore with cross-cultural curiosity.
"The layers of craftsmanship – carving, inking, pressing – reveal China’s living heritage,\” Khan remarked, reflecting on the intricate process. The Yangliuqing tradition, dating to the Ming Dynasty, remains a vibrant symbol of folk art, often depicting themes of prosperity and unity.
As Tianjin prepares for its SCO spotlight, such exchanges highlight the region’s role as a bridge for cultural diplomacy. Wang emphasized: "Every print tells a story. Sharing this art form fosters mutual understanding beyond borders.\”
With SCO 2025 expected to draw global attention to northern China, Tianjin’s blend of tradition and modernity offers a template for balancing heritage preservation with international engagement.
