🎥 Sculpting the Soul of Tianjin is a new documentary that invites viewers on a colorful journey through one of the Chinese mainland’s most dynamic cities. At its heart is Zhang Yu, the sixth-generation inheritor of the legendary Clay Figure Zhang family.
From his ancestor Zhang Mingshan’s arrival from Shaoxing in the 19th century to Tianjin’s booming skyline, this story weaves East-meets-West vibes and old-meets-new energy 🌆. Each clay figurine captures lifelike expressions, reflecting the city’s soul and its people’s spirit.
While Tianjin gears up to host the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, the film reminds us that beyond diplomacy and commerce, culture runs deep here. Zhang Yu shares memories of his childhood in the family museum, where the vivid colors and animated faces sparked his lifelong passion 🎨.
“Tradition lives on when we protect it and let new generations reinvent it,” Zhang reflects. His mission? Preserve the Clay Figure Zhang legacy in museums, then give artists the freedom to sculpt fresh stories in clay ⏳.
Whether you’re a culture buff, a traveler planning your next adventure, or simply curious about how art can bridge past and present, Sculpting the Soul of Tianjin offers a lively peek into a craft that refuses to fade.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
