Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Tang Yong) news: On July 14, 2024, at the Afanti gift shop located in the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a refrigerator sticker named "Nangshu" in Chinese, made with dough, caught the attention of many tourists. They gathered around the booth to purchase them as special gifts for their relatives and friends.

Photo taken on July 14, 2024 shows tourists purchase at the Afanti gift shop located in the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Tang Yong)

The shop has a display area for dough figurine products, with the display cabinet filled with various lifelike pieces. Each figurine is only 120 centimeters high but exudes a strong Xinjiang flavor. These "small dough figurines" are all crafted by Na Dinghao, an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage at the autonomous region level.

Photo taken on July 14, 2024 shows dough figurines at the Afanti gift shop located in the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Tang Yong)

Photo taken on July 14, 2024 shows dough figurines at the Afanti gift shop located in the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Tang Yong)

Na Dinghao, 47, was born into a family of dough figurine makers and learned this craft from an early age. After graduating from university, Na Dinghao opened a design company. Despite earning a considerable income, he always yearned for the traditional craft of dough sculpture. In 2009, Na closed his company and devoted himself entirely to the creation of dough figurines.

Photo taken on July 14, 2024 shows Na Dinghao makes a dough figurine at his studio in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Tang Yong)

Photo taken on July 14, 2024 shows Na Dinghao communicates with a visitor at his studio in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Tang Yong)

Na frequently travels to different places in Xinjiang to find inspirations. His dough figurine works have been showcased in numerous exhibitions and competitions nationwide and have won several awards.

In recent years, Na has shifted his focus to the tourism merchandise market, which holds great potential. After nearly two years of innovation, he has introduced a range of creative dough figurines, such as naan, kebab, pilaf, and flower hat, which have been well-received by tourists. Brimming with "Xinjiang flavor," these dough figurines have become highly sought-after gifts by tourists.

In order to pass on this ancient skill, Na has taken on a group of apprentices and has also conducted public welfare training for primary and secondary school students during winter and summer holidays. "I hope more people can understand this craft and keep it alive," said Na.

Photo taken on July 14, 2024 shows Na Dinghao exchanges skills with his apprentice at his studio in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Tang Yong)

Photo taken on July 15, 2024 shows Huaiyong, Dinghao's apprentice, teaches students the skills of dough figurine making in the Urumqi Cultural Museum in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Tang Yong)

Photo shows Na Dinghao's dough figurine work named "Begonia Poetry Club." (Photo by Tang Yong)

Photo shows Na Dinghao's dough figurine work named "For Benefiting the People." (Photo by Tang Yong)

Photo shows Na Dinghao's dough figurine work named "Broken Bridge." (Photo by Tang Yong)

Photo shows Na Dinghao's dough figurine work named "Song of Joy." (Photo by Tang Yong)

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