In a quiet corner of Beijing's Qiushe Garden, 68-year-old Shandong native Wu Aijuan – affectionately known as Granny Xiancao – is redefining textile artistry through her intricate embroidery exhibitions. Her current display, running through February 2026, transforms ordinary cloth into vibrant narratives using traditional Chinese stitching techniques passed down through generations.
The exhibition space becomes a living archive of cultural heritage as visitors observe Xiancao's signature xiangyun sha dyeing method combined with delicate su embroidery. Each piece requires 15-20 days of meticulous handwork, with patterns ranging from peony clusters symbolizing prosperity to magpie motifs representing good fortune.
Cultural preservationists note the timing coincides with renewed global interest in Asian textile arts, particularly following the 2025 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Conference. Qiushe Garden's director emphasizes: "This isn't just an art show – it's a dialogue between ancient craftsmanship and contemporary design sensibilities."
For travelers and local residents alike, the free-admission exhibition offers daily embroidery demonstrations at 2 PM, with materials provided for hands-on workshops every Saturday morning.
