Since 2000, Zhang Yu has been working on the street and running the Clay Figurine Zhang Family Store. He also serves as the curator of the Clay Figurine Zhang Art Gallery, which sits in a courtyard house inside the block's historical Tongqingli complex, secluded from the hustle and bustle of the main street.
At the gallery, which has offered free entry since its founding, visitors are treated to a regular exhibit of more than 100 representative Niren Zhang clay figurines — from antiques created by Zhang Mingshan himself, to Zhang Yu's contemporary works — or, they can attend workshop sessions to learn how to make the figurines themselves.
Zhang Yu has observed a shift in tourists' preferences — instead of simply going sightseeing and buying souvenirs, many tourists have grown fond of spending time getting to learn local culture.
"A lot of people are keen on participating in our workshops in the long term. Some of them have gradually delved deeper into the art form and become aficionados, but we also welcome those who come just to have a try, and perhaps find it interesting enough to come again if they have a chance," he says.
"I think this represents the openness of our traditional culture. Everyone can participate in their own way, but as long as they get to learn about traditional culture, a seed has been planted in their hearts."
