Dough figurine art, a millennia-old intangible cultural heritage craft, is often described as “three-dimensional painting” and “silent theater.” Recently, a dough sculpting workshop took place at One Step Garden (Shanghai Long Beach Tower store), drawing a large crowd eager to explore this captivating tradition.

The workshop was led by Feng Qiuxia, the master of Wusong Dough Sculpture, a representative intangible cultural heritage of Baoshan District. Feng began by sharing the rich history of this folk art, which dates back to the Han Dynasty, flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and was once a popular “finger-tip magic” on the streets. Today, this craft is recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage. Feng also showcased her stunning dough figurines—ranging from lifelike historical figures to beloved cartoon characters—leaving the audience in awe and sparking both curiosity and admiration.

During the hands-on session, participants were guided by Feng through the process of creating their own Monkey King figurine. From kneading the dough and mixing colors to shaping intricate details, they learned the delicate art of molding with their hands. Through techniques such as pinching, rolling, and shaping, participants got to experience the ingenuity of this traditional craft firsthand.

Dong Lei, a participant, shared: “This was my first time attending a traditional dough figurine workshop. The instructor was incredibly detailed in her teaching, and by following her guidance, I felt like a real artisan—like I’d just taken my first step into this craft!”

Another participant, Zhao Chenning, added: “This activity gave me a deeper understanding of the techniques behind intangible cultural heritage. It was far more rewarding than just scrolling through my phone at home!”

Dough figurine art is not merely a craft; it is a living cultural legacy. This workshop not only gave participants the opportunity to appreciate the finesse of traditional craftsmanship but also brought intangible cultural heritage to life in a fun, interactive way—seamlessly integrating it into modern lifestyles.