Racing against time for heritage

What excites Zhang the most is that, with the support of the Shanghai-based Public Art Coordination Center, one of the hosts of the training courses, she had the opportunity to collaborate with international fashion designers to create high-end dresses.

The Qiang embroidery dresses she participated in designing, named Entrusted by the Mountains and Above the Colored Clouds, were showcased at the 2015 Paris Fashion Week.

"That was beyond my wildest dreams. The experience really broadened my horizons," she says.

Zhang says her primary focus in the past decade was to ensure the survival of her cooperative. Looking ahead, she aspires to create more profound works to explore wider possibilities and present the art in more ways.

The major problem she currently faces is the lack of participation from young people.

"People my age either lack embroidery skills or prefer more stable or easier professions," Zhang says.

She frequently visits local schools to carry out promotional activities for Qiang embroidery, aiming to cultivate individuals willing to inherit this traditional craft.

"My 5-year-old daughter is interested in Qiang embroidery. I'm not saying that she must take it up but if she chooses to, I will support her," she says.