From August 24 to 28, 2026, the "Master of the Needle" Guizhou Miao Embroidery Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Tour—a key event under the 2026 "Zhi & Xing Guizhou" Silk Road Youth Exchange Program—came to a successful close. Hosted by Guizhou City Vocational College, the program saw full participation from six international youth delegates from Indonesia.
Breaking away from traditional classroom settings, the event utilized hands-on workshops and youth forums to create a multi-layered platform for cross-cultural exchange. During the study tour, the international youth engaged in immersive, module-based practices: they explored intangible cultural heritage in Longjing Village, learning embroidery and batik techniques; strolled through the ancient streets of Qingyan Ancient Town to soak in its scholarly charm; marveled at the geological wonders of Tianhetan; visited the Yelang Valley art park to appreciate stone sculptures and try Yazhou pottery; and gained a comprehensive understanding of Guizhou’s history and heritage crafts at the Provincial Museum.
A highlight of the tour was the in-depth heritage experience in Longjing Village. Captivated by ancient folklore, the international students felt as though they had traveled back through time, experiencing the profound depth of Guizhou's culture through exquisite embroidery. Guided by local embroiderers, they tried their hand at the craft, stitching floral and avian motifs and discovering the joy of exploration and creation. The batik workshop proved to be the absolute climax of the experience. After learning about the history and craftsmanship of batik, the students designed their own patterns—featuring flowers, birds, animals, and even cartoon characters—on white cotton scarves. After dyeing, each student unveiled a truly unique piece, their faces glowing with satisfaction and joy.
On the morning of August 28, a closing ceremony was held at Guizhou City Vocational College, where international youth representatives took turns sharing their reflections on the study tour. They noted that stepping out of the classroom and into real-world practice helped bridge cultural divides, allowing them to genuinely appreciate the vibrant charm of Guizhou while gaining both knowledge and cross-border friendships. The event concluded with the college presenting certificates of completion to all the international youth, celebrating the tangible outcomes of this "learning through practice" journey.