Che Xuelin – Inheritor of Folk Zhizha Paper Art in Lucheng Town, Chuxiong 

楚雄市鹿城镇民间纸扎技艺传承人 -车学林

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2723.html

Zhou Shaoming – Artisan of Zhizha Paper Art in Yao’an County, Chuxiong 

楚雄州姚安县适中乡纸扎艺人 – 周绍明

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2722.html

Xie Fuguo – Inheritor of Pottery-making Craft in Dayao County, Chuxiong 

楚雄州大姚县龙街乡制陶工艺传承人 – 谢富国

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2721.html

Zhang Chunmei – Inheritor of Yi Embroidery Skill in Dayao County, Chuxiong 

楚雄州大姚县龙街乡彝族刺绣技艺传承人 – 张春梅

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2720.html

Yu Changcai – Inheritor of Yi Paper Mask-making Skill in Shuangbai County, Chuxiong 

楚雄州双柏县雨龙乡彝族纸糊面具制作技艺传承人 – 余昌才

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2719.html

Zhao Huayou – Artisan of Folk Arts and Crafts in Dayao County, Chuxiong 

楚雄州大姚县龙街乡民间工艺手艺人 – 赵化友

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2718.html

Zhang Fuxing – Inheritor of Dough Modeling Skill in Mouding County, Chuxiong 

楚雄州牟定县共和镇面塑技艺传承人 – 张福兴

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2717.html

Introduction to You Dingmei

You Dingmei (尤定美), born in 1948, is a renowned female folk artist from Zehei Township (则黑乡), Luquan County (禄劝县), Kunming, Yunnan. Specializing in folk painting and embroidery, she has become a key figure in preserving and promoting these traditional crafts. You’s exceptional skills were cultivated from an early age, and she has since gained significant recognition both locally and in surrounding areas.

Early Life and Artistic Training

At the age of 11, You Dingmei began learning painting and embroidery from her mother, who was already well-known in the village for her artistic talent. You’s four sisters also studied under their mother, but it quickly became apparent that You Dingmei had a particular aptitude for the arts, surpassing even her mother’s skills. As she honed her craft, local girls sought her out for help in creating their wedding attire, a task which was typically done months in advance of a wedding.

To expand her skill set, You Dingmei also trained as a seamstress. Over time, she became well-known for her ability to design intricate embroidery patterns. As her reputation spread, people from her village and nearby areas would bring fabric to her for custom designs. She would then paint the patterns directly onto the fabric, and the people would later embroider the designs themselves.

Mastery of Folk Painting and Embroidery

You Dingmei’s artistic style is characterized by freehand painting—she never relies on preliminary sketches, instead working directly on the fabric with confidence and precision. Her artistic creations are often seen on clothing and accessories, but her talents extend beyond fabric to include painting on furniture, such as cabinets, chests, and even large doors. Her work is known for its vibrant, detailed, and skillful depiction of local cultural symbols and nature.

She is often referred to as the “Great Flower Craftsman” (大花匠) by the locals, a title that reflects her mastery of decorative floral motifs and her pivotal role in the local arts community.

Local Influence and Recognition

Throughout her career, You Dingmei’s impact has been profound, not only in her hometown but in the surrounding areas as well. People who wish to create clothing or decorative items often bring fabric to her, relying on her to create designs that will then be embroidered. Her influence extends beyond embroidery and painting; her skill in crafting wedding attire has made her a respected figure, and many view her as a key player in preserving the traditional folk arts of Luquan County and its surrounding areas.

Continuing the Legacy

Though she has achieved much success and recognition, You Dingmei remains deeply connected to her roots. She continues to teach local women, passing on her knowledge of folk painting and embroidery to ensure that these traditional crafts are preserved for future generations. With her focus on maintaining the integrity of folk art, You Dingmei has become an important cultural figure in the region, and her work continues to inspire new generations of artisans.

Chinese Version

Brief Introduction

Tianbao Snow Mountain is one of the top seven biggest snow mountains in Shangri-La area, with more than 100 peaks over 4000 meters, the highest being 4750 meters above the sea level. In the primitive forests, rare flowers and herbs are scattered around grotesque vines and age-old trees. It is the the Alps in Shangri-La area, while the beautiful scenery is less known by the people outside. Besides the snow-capped mountains, cliffs, gorges, and original forest, there are many different kinds of plants and animals.

What to See at Tianbao Snow Mountain

Walking 6 KM to the end of the valley in the primitive forests, then we will arrive at a natural alpine pastures, the most beautiful mountain lake of Tianbao Snow Mountain is lying in the pasture. It gives a strong sense of change and variation, crystal water, green forest, white snow mountains, as well as the snow mountains plated with gold when sunset. Showing an isolated snow mountain landscape painting in front of us which makes us indulged it.

How to Get there

Tourists can take the shuttle bus in Shangri-La City to Sanba Town, then take a local chartered bus to go to Annan Village.

Tianbao Snow Mountain Tour from Shangri-La

Day1 – Shangri-la-Dabao Temple-Alpine Granssland
After breakfast,we will drive to Dabao Tem(mercy in Tibetan).The local and professional team will lead us to the today’s destination.We will trek through the original forest for 4 hrs,then get to our camp on the alpine pasture.Stay overnight in wooden house if the condition allows.Or you have to stay in the tent.But it would be wonderful and beautiful around the tent with fabulous grassland and forest.That will be amazing night for you.

Day2 – Alpine Pasture
After breakfast,we will continue the new day to trek among the alpine pasture.This area famed as the one of the most important biodiversity region in the world.Over 7000 plants in this area which covering 23870km.If we are lucky,we could visit to the Tibetan Horse and Pheasant.It will spend 7 hrs for trekking today,and camp on the pasture with 3800m above sea level.Facing up the snow mountain,the still river.

Stay overnight in the tent.

Day3 – Abujee Lake
You will cross the pass 4200km above sea level.Forehead to the mountain ridge,you will finally reach to Abujee Lake.The lake looks like Jasper,Simmer mulberry Taiwan beside the lake.The local Tibetan burn the pine twigs and use milk for praying and pouring out their dream.You will leave after lunch.Our driver will wait for you on the mountainous road and drive you back to Shangri-la city.

Service ends.

Profile:

Duan Fake(段发科) was born in 1931, and lived in Jingxing Street of Kunming(昆明市景星街). His ancestral home  is Yuanmou county . He is good at caizha (彩扎)。 Duan family was engaged in caizha and mounting paintings from last four generations . He was influenced by his family from an early age, and he followed his father to learn caizha skills .

Personal Experiences

In 1951, he settled in Kunming from Yuanmou. He worked in the Ivory Carving Crafts Factory in Kunming, He also worked in caizha and mounting till now. This skill handed down by his ancestors can be inherited and developed under his hands. Because of his superb craftsmanship, people all respect him as “Master Duan “. Every kind of Folk Festival activities, “Master Duan ” is busy. He is good at colorful dragons, especially fire dragons and water dragons, in spring, “fire dragons” and “water dragons” in summer. Making good fortune and keeping peace is the meaning of “water dragons”.Dragon lanterns and mounted paintings can also be used as various theatrical supplies, such as props, facial makeup, etc. He is also good at clay sculptures and temple paintings.

Achievements

In 2002, the Yunnan Provincial Culture Department and the Yunnan Provincial People’s Committee were named him as the Yunnan National Folk Art Artist.                                                                                                                                  He has been featured by Kunming Daily (昆明日报)and won the first prize at Panlong District(盘龙区) Lamp Exhibition.

Present Works

Lambs kneeling on their knees, crows feeding back, zodiac, 24 filial piety, elephant farming, Yuyang lying on the ice, deer breasts offering relatives, congratulating the New Year, all kinds of kites, etc., as well as paper tigers made in the period of resisting the United States,  as well as paper tigers used in festival celebrations. All kinds of props needed for the performance of Lantern Festival, etc. Also, he has He has sculpted Guanyin, the God of wealth, the God of land and the old longevity star according to the needs of the people.

Chinese Version: http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2715.htm                                                                                    Translated by Lynette Fu/ 付云锐

Introduction to Deng Shixian

Deng Shixian (邓世先), born in 1934, is a renowned stone-carving artist from Wenhe Township (文河办事处), Xinjie Township (新街乡), Jinning District (晋宁区), Kunming, Yunnan. Specializing in stone carving, Deng has been practicing this craft for over 80 years, creating a wide array of sculptures, including religious and daily life items. His works are known for their intricate designs and have earned him great renown both locally and in surrounding regions.

Early Life and Apprenticeship

At the age of 8, Deng Shixian began learning the art of stone carving from his father. From a young age, he was exposed to the intricacies of the craft and was inspired to develop his skills. Over the years, he perfected his technique, carving various types of items that served both ritual and practical purposes. His works include tombstones, stone columns, gateposts, well railings, grinding mortars, and more.

Mastery of Stone-Carving Craft

Throughout his career, Deng Shixian has created nearly 6,000 stone-carved works, many of which feature symbolic designs like “carp leaping over the dragon gate” (鲤鱼跳龙门), “two dragons playing with a pearl” (二龙戏珠), “deer gazing at the golden bell” (鹿望金钟), “double lions rolling a ball of embroidery” (双狮滚绣球), and “dragons soaring, phoenixes dancing” (龙飞凤舞). These motifs are not only significant in Chinese culture but also reflect the rich symbolism in Deng’s craftsmanship. His works are highly valued for their detailed craftsmanship and artistic expression.

Reputation and Influence

Over the course of his long career, Deng Shixian has become a well-known figure in the local area, with his stone carvings gaining significant recognition. His fame has spread beyond Jinning District to surrounding regions such as Kunming, Chenggong, Haikou, and Anning, where people often seek out his stone-carving services. Today, his stone carvings are in high demand, and he continues to be a key figure in the stone-carving craft community.

Legacy and Contributions

Deng Shixian’s contributions to stone carving have been invaluable in preserving this traditional art form. His decades of experience, dedication, and skill have ensured that the craft remains vibrant and relevant in modern times. His work is not only admired for its beauty but also for its cultural significance. As the inheritor of this important local tradition, Deng continues to inspire future generations of artisans in Jinning and beyond.

Chinese Version

Profile

Cao Wenxing(曹文兴) was born in 1971, a native of Mangpan Village, Mangpan Township, Lincang County(临沧县芒畔乡芒畔村人). He is good at clay sculpture and stone sculpture.

Personal Experiences

Since 1983, he has been studying painting during a holiday art training course held by Lincang Museum of Culture. His father is a folk art artist. He often learns to make clay sculptures under his father’s influence. Because he is diligent and eager to learn, he is interested in and has some experience in the folk arts and crafts. His father also teaches him to develop his painting and sculpture skills by words and deeds. Since junior high school, he has been engaged in the production of folk sculptures and crafts. Up to now, he has made 38 Buddha statues for more than ten Burmese temples around him, and made more than 100 pairs of big and small stone lions. He has also carved 82 works such as tigers, cranes, elephants, blue dragons, masks and incense burners with stone materials, and painted murals for villagers. Now, Cao Wenxing has 12 apprentices, making tombstones and carving stone works.

Achievements

Up to now, he has made 38 Buddha statues for more than ten Burmese temples around him, and made more than 100 pairs of big and small stone lions. He has also carved 82 works such as tigers, cranes, elephants, blue dragons, masks and incense burners with stone materials, and painted murals for villagers. Now, Cao Wenxing has 12 apprentices, making tombstones and carving stone works.

Chinese Version: http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2713.ht                                                                                          Translated by Lynette Fu/ 付云锐

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ID

Che Xuelin – Inheritor of Folk Zhizha Paper Art in Lucheng Town, Chuxiong 

Che Xuelin – Inheritor of Folk Zhizha Paper Art in Lucheng Town, Chuxiong  楚雄市鹿城镇民间纸扎技艺传承人 -车学林 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2723.html...

Culture    Veiw

• Chuxiong
• Chuxiong City
• Han Chinese
• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chuxiong

Zhou Shaoming – Artisan of Zhizha Paper Art in Yao’an County, Chuxiong

Zhou Shaoming – Artisan of Zhizha Paper Art in Yao’an County, Chuxiong  楚雄州姚安县适中乡纸扎艺人 – 周绍明 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2722.html...

Culture    Veiw

• Chuxiong
• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chuxiong
• Yaoan County
• Yi Ethnic Minority

Xie Fuguo – Inheritor of Pottery-making Craft in Dayao County, Chuxiong 

Xie Fuguo – Inheritor of Pottery-making Craft in Dayao County, Chuxiong  楚雄州大姚县龙街乡制陶工艺传承人 – 谢富国 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2721.html...

Culture    Veiw

• Chuxiong
• Dayao County
• Han Chinese
• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chuxiong

Zhang Chunmei – Inheritor of Yi Embroidery Skill in Dayao County, Chuxiong 

Zhang Chunmei – Inheritor of Yi Embroidery Skill in Dayao County, Chuxiong  楚雄州大姚县龙街乡彝族刺绣技艺传承人 – 张春梅 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2720.html...

Culture    Veiw

• Chuxiong
• Dayao County
• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chuxiong
• Yi Ethnic Minority

Yu Changcai – Inheritor of Yi Paper Mask-making Skill in Shuangbai County, Chuxiong

Yu Changcai – Inheritor of Yi Paper Mask-making Skill in Shuangbai County, Chuxiong  楚雄州双柏县雨龙乡彝族纸糊面具制作技艺传承人 – 余昌才 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2719.html...

Culture    Veiw

• Chuxiong
• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chuxiong
• Shuangbai County
• Yi Ethnic Minority

Zhao Huayou – Artisan of Folk Arts and Crafts in Dayao County, Chuxiong 

Zhao Huayou – Artisan of Folk Arts and Crafts in Dayao County, Chuxiong  楚雄州大姚县龙街乡民间工艺手艺人 – 赵化友 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2718.html...

Culture    Veiw

• Chuxiong
• Dayao County
• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chuxiong
• Yi Ethnic Minority

Zhang Fuxing – Inheritor of Dough Modeling Skill in Mouding County, Chuxiong 

Zhang Fuxing – Inheritor of Dough Modeling Skill in Mouding County, Chuxiong  楚雄州牟定县共和镇面塑技艺传承人 – 张福兴 http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-2717.html...

Culture    Veiw

• Chuxiong
• Han Chinese
• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chuxiong
• Mouding County

You Dingmei – Master of Folk Painting in Luquan County, Kunming  

Introduction to You Dingmei You Dingmei (尤定美), born in 1948, is a renowned female folk artist from Zehei Township (则黑乡), Luquan County (禄劝县), Kunming, Yunnan. Specializing in folk painting...

Culture    Veiw

• Han Chinese
• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kunming
• Kunming
• Luquan County

Tianbao Snow Mountain in Shangrila, Diqing

Brief Introduction Tianbao Snow Mountain is one of the top seven biggest snow mountains in Shangri-La area, with more than 100 peaks over 4000 meters, the highest being 4750...

Attractions    Veiw

• Diqing
• Mountains in Diqing
• Mountains in Shangri-La
• Shangri-La
• Three Parallel Rivers

Duan Fake – Inheritor of Caizha Paper Art in Wuhua District, Kunming City 

Profile: Duan Fake(段发科) was born in 1931, and lived in Jingxing Street of Kunming(昆明市景星街). His ancestral home  is Yuanmou county . He is good at caizha (彩扎)。 Duan family...

Culture    Veiw

• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kunming
• Kunming
• Wuhua District

Deng Shixian – Inheritor of Stone-carving Skill in Jinning District, Kunming

Introduction to Deng Shixian Deng Shixian (邓世先), born in 1934, is a renowned stone-carving artist from Wenhe Township (文河办事处), Xinjie Township (新街乡), Jinning District (晋宁区), Kunming, Yunnan. Specializing in...

Culture    Veiw

• Han Chinese
• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kunming
• Jinning District
• Kunming

Cao Wenxing – Inheritor of Folk Arts and Crafts in Linxiang District, Lincang  

Profile Cao Wenxing(曹文兴) was born in 1971, a native of Mangpan Village, Mangpan Township, Lincang County(临沧县芒畔乡芒畔村人). He is good at clay sculpture and stone sculpture. Personal Experiences Since 1983,...

Culture    Veiw

• Han Chinese
• Inheritors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Lincang
• Lincang
• Linxiang District