STORY: Faces of China: Inheritor of Huihe stone shadow carving
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 15, 2025
DATELINE: Jan. 20, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:58
LOCATION: XIAMEN, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Huihe stone shadow carving
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LI YAHUI, Inheritor of Huihe stone shadow carving
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI YAHUI, Inheritor of Huihe stone shadow carving
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): LI YAHUI, Inheritor of Huihe stone shadow carving

STORYLINE:

Li Yahua, 58, is an inheritor of the Huihe stone shadow carving.

Derived from Huian stone carving in Fujian, stone shadow carving was developed by Li's grandfather.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): LI YAHUI, Inheritor of Huihe stone shadow carving
"In my hometown, my father's carving skills are very famous. Influenced by him since childhood and under his guidance, I started learning Huihe stone shadow carving at the age of 19. When I was 22, one of my works was unexpectedly purchased by a businessman from Taiwan. From then on, I felt a great sense of accomplishment, so I began to take this craft very seriously."

This craftsmanship involves using an alloy steel needle to carve intricate images into stone, demanding exceptional skill and precision.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): LI YAHUI, Inheritor of Huihe stone shadow carving
"Stone shadow carving involves engraving on a black slate, which requires specific hardness and density. After polishing the slate with water grinding, I use an alloy steel needle to chisel white dots to create black-and-white images on the slate. This craft demands a great deal of patience and perseverance."

For Li, shadow carving is about preserving history, culture, and art, and she hopes to inspire more young people to participate.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): LI YAHUI, Inheritor of Huihe stone shadow carving
"Traditional culture needs young people to carry it forward to ensure it goes further. As an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, I always maintain positive and effective communication with young people. Therefore, in my work, whether it's the design of the layout or the selection of themes and subjects, I strive to stay close to life and align with the preferences of young people."

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