STORY: Canadian sculpture designer's family time in China ahead of Spring Festival
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Feb. 5, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:25
LOCATION: NANCHANG, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Foley Martin, a Canadian sculpture designer
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): FOLEY MARTIN, Canadian sculpture designer
3. various of Foley Martin, a Canadian sculpture designer
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): FOLEY MARTIN, Canadian sculpture designer

STORYLINE:

Foley Martin, a Canadian sculpture designer, has been living in China for seven years. Passionate about Chinese art, he has learned and practiced traditional Chinese craftsmanship in different cities. 

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): FOLEY MARTIN, Canadian sculpture designer
"In Canada, we don't know a lot about China. We don't get to see much of what China is really about. As a young boy, I was always fascinated by the art. When I came here, my breath was taken away, very many interesting things and different cultures in different areas you go."

Martin now has a woodcarving studio in Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province. Every week, he travels between Yingtan and his home in Nanchang, the provincial capital.

As the Spring Festival approaches, Matin set foot on the train again, expecting to have a happy family get-together. 

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): FOLEY MARTIN, Canadian sculpture designer
"It's really efficient. I go to the counter, show them my ticket on the phone, and ask them for the directions where I need to go. So for a foreigner coming here, it's very easy.
Many places I've gone to in China always feel warm. People are very kind, always very generous. I love China. Happy New Year!"

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nanchang, China.
(XHTV)