In an inspiring fusion of tradition and modernity, Yang Yuxiao has transformed her career path from international trade to cultural preservation. After five years working as a Paris-based trader specializing in crafts and artworks, the French-educated professional made a pivotal decision in 2016 to return to her roots in Linhai, Zhejiang province. Her mission: to reinvigorate the ancient art of Linhai paper-cutting, recognized as part of Zhejiang’s intangible cultural heritage since 2007.
Yang assumed leadership of the Zhang Xiujuan Paper Cutting Museum, founded by her mother who serves as a respected bearer of this cultural tradition. Confronting the challenges of preserving delicate paper artworks vulnerable to humidity and fading, Yang pioneered innovative solutions that have secured 13 national patents. Her breakthrough came with developing paper-cutting techniques using alternative materials including silk and cashmere cotton, creating both durable and marketable products.
Beyond material innovations, Yang has strategically expanded the art form’s applications through contemporary product designs featuring traditional patterns. Her creations now adorn functional items including fashion accessories, bags, coasters, and traditional Chinese cloud shoulders (shawls). This commercial approach has generated sustainable revenue through gift orders while preserving artistic integrity.
The enterprise operates through a multi-tiered production system: collectible pieces crafted by Yang and her mother, alongside cultural gifts produced by approximately 30 project-based artisans. Yang has additionally established educational initiatives that provide vocational training to local villagers, having conducted over 150 sessions with more than 2,000 participants. Her international outreach includes livestreamed classes attracting global students from the United States, Spain, Hungary, and beyond, complemented by cultural exchange programs including a recent visit to South Korea.
At 36, Yang balances innovation with tradition, stating: ‘To sustain our intangible cultural heritage work, we need products that can support us financially.’ Her vision continues to evolve toward making Linhai paper-cutting relevant to younger generations through everyday integration rather than merely wall decorations, ensuring this family legacy thrives through contemporary relevance.