Thin as a Cicada's Wing, Strong as a Bowstring: Diplomats Get Hands-On with China's Xuan Paper

       CRI Online: A single sheet of Xuan paper carries a thousand years of cultural heritage; a single city's landscape reflects the timeless elegance of Anhui. On August 5, China-based diplomats participating in the international communication campaign "Thriving China · Diplomats in China Explore Anhui" traveled to Jing County in Xuancheng City, Anhui Province. There, they toured the Han-Tang Paper Workshop, the Sanxitang Thread-Bound Book Culture Park, and the China Xuan Paper Town — experiencing up close the distinctive charm of Xuan paper, one of the celebrated "Four Treasures of the Study," and gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and enduring vitality of Hui culture.

　　The Birthplace of a Thousand-Year Tradition

　　Jing County is widely regarded as the birthplace of Xuan paper and is known as "China's Hometown of Xuan Paper." The papermaking technique traces its origins to the Tang Dynasty, boasting a history of more than 1,000 years. In 2009, the craft was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Nicolas Brea, First Secretary at the Embassy of Argentina in China, tries his hand at the papermaking process.

Mile Nikolic, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in China, takes part in making Xuan paper.

　　Hands-On Encounters with an Ancient Craft

　　Holding bamboo screens, the diplomats dipped them gently in and out of the water trough, guiding the pulp to spread evenly as a sheet of Xuan paper slowly took shape before their eyes. They watched closely and tried the process themselves, coming to understand — through direct experience — why Xuan paper is often described as "as thin as a cicada's wing, yet as resilient as a bowstring." In doing so, they gained a genuine appreciation for the craftsmanship and ingenuity behind every sheet.

H.E. Mr. Karlis Eihenbaums, Ambassador of Latvia to China, writes down his impressions of the visit on a freshly made sheet of Xuan paper.

Touré Aminata, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Guinea in China, shows off a lacquer fan she crafted by hand.

Diplomats based in China gather for a group photo at the Sanxitang Thread-Bound Book Culture Park.