Where Ancient Craft Meets the Next Generation: UNESCO Youth Cultural Heritage Ambassadors Explore Majiayao

In the afternoon of 18 April, participants travelled to the Pottery Arts Building at Majiayao Painted Pottery Town, where they took part in a hands-on pottery-making workshop under the guidance of local practitioners. Alongside the workshop, a Dingxi ICH exhibition was held concurrently, featuring live demonstrations by over twenty practitioners across disciplines including pottery, cloisonné enamel, clay sculpture, paper cutting, and wheat straw painting - offering students a panoramic view of Gansu's intangible cultural heritage.

For many participants, the workshop was a revelatory experience: holding the tools for the first time and following the practitioner's lead, they quickly grasped the precision and patience these crafts demand. Students also had the opportunity to speak directly with practitioners of pottery and cloisonné enamel. When asked about the market adaptation of ICH techniques, a pottery making inheritor said, "As times evolve and market needs change, we have expanded the use of pottery from souvenirs to daily-use items such as tea sets and pottery stoves. This has greatly boosted public understanding and affection for pottery." This prompted many students to rethink the meaning of "inheritance." A craft that takes years - even decades - to master depends for its survival not only on the transmission of skills, but also on the ability to adapt by integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. This involves understanding present-day needs and aspirations while safeguarding the core techniques and cultural roots, ensuring that heritage continues as a vibrant, living practices.