Students from Jiangsu Second Normal University visit Huazhenjiang Intangible Heritage Workshop in Lishui district, Nanjing. [Photo/WeChat account: nj-lishuifabu]

An intercultural exchange event was held on Nov 5 at the Huazhenjiang Intangible Heritage Workshop, where nearly 40 international students and ethnic minority students from Jiangsu Second Normal University experienced the craftsmanship behind tiger shoes, which have a history of 400 years in Lishui district, Nanjing.

Paper models of tiger-head shoes made by students. [Photo/ WeChat account: nj-lishuifabu]

Inside the workshop, shelves display an array of traditional creative pieces, including embroidered tiger-head shoes, sachets and handmade fabric backpacks. Wu Lihua, owner of the workshop, explained the cultural symbolism of the tiger shoes and demonstrated key techniques such as pattern cutting, embroidery and stitching.

A student makes a paper model of tiger-head shoes. [Photo/ WeChat account: nj-lishuifabu]

Under Wu's guidance, participants painted paper models of tiger-head shoes, using bright colors and geometric patterns to give the traditional design a fresh, cross-cultural expression. The hands-on session offered students a tangible way to connect with Chinese folk art and appreciate the living heritage behind the craft.