Tradition around the block

The goal was not only to display the prints but also to seek international cooperation in studying their development.

Overseas institutions, including the French National Library and Kobe City Museum in Japan, brought their collections back to their birthplace for the first time.

Another international-exchange exhibition was staged in 2018. It included exhibits from such countries as Great Britain, South Korea and Vietnam.

Only six new-generation artisans are still in the picture society because of relatively low pay and many distractions from outside. It's challenging for them to balance their role as a lifeline for this cultural heritage and their personal livelihoods.

"We have to look for different projects to make ends meet," Sun says, smiling.

"I don't want to make much money since we've chosen intangible cultural heritage as our careers. But I at least have to earn an average income. Otherwise, my wife won't support me."

The team cooperated with a major Chinese online-game operator to design scenes in a game featuring woodcut prints last year. Fang led the project as his final contribution.

"Some people can be more creative to better fit the market," Hua says.

"Others can be more focused on developing expertise and academic studies if they get more government support."

Suzhou Art & Design Technology Institute graduate Qiao Lanrong started a studio at Eslite Bookstore in 2015, when the chain from Taiwan came to Suzhou.

She has designed such products as postcards, scarves, lamps and qipao (traditional dresses) using woodcutprint designs.

For example, she releases 10 new scarves every season.

"I want to bring Taohuawu beyond the (traditional) printing platform. Mixing in modern designs can make tradition more accessible," she says.

"But my tastes are limited. I've always designed for young women. It'll be better if more people participate."

Narrow alleys hugged by white walls and black-tiled roofs near ancient canals are icons of Suzhou, which is often called the "Venice of the East".

But the city has been expanding in recent years and today hosts industrial parks and skyscrapers.

Half of the city's 13 million residents were born elsewhere, making it one of the country's top destinations for migrants.

Huai Nian, deputy director of the city's public cultural center, says Taohuawu's revival is important to the new society.

"New residents can blend into the local culture faster if they know this tradition better," she says.

"They can also nurture a greater sense of belonging here."

The center recently released video guides on how to properly hang the New Year pictures for the Spring Festival.

"We'd like to bring New Year pictures back into the New Year," Huai says.

Contact the writer at wangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn