Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Qin Meihua) news: For bird enthusiasts, a birdcage is more than a home for birds; it is a piece of art that reflects both beauty and personal sentiment. In the Tieluhuayuan Community located on Zhongya South Road Street within Urumqi Economic and Technological Development Zone (Toutunhe District), 72-year-old Yang Xiaozhong is one such craftsman who creates birdcages as artworks.

As the representative inheritor of the birdcage making technique, which is listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Urumqi City, Yang previously worked as a mechanical manufacturing engineer for the Railway Bureau. In more than four decades, he has dedicated himself to crafting nearly ten thousand finely made birdcages. These pieces are valued not only for their practicality but also for their visual appeal and worth as collectibles.

Yang first learned the craft from his father in 1965. His engineering background drove him to pursue precision in measurements, structural strength, and artistic quality. On November 4, he proudly showed one of his birdcages and explained, "The dragon on this cage is carefully hand-carved on a very small scale, which was quite challenging. The eyes are set with rhinestones, and the base ring features delicate carvings. It also includes four pyrographed decorative images based on Chinese historical themes, all made with great detail." While learning the craft, Yang traveled across China to meet with other birdcage makers, studying the best techniques from both northern and southern styles. He eventually combined these influences to develop his own unique method, creating the first birdcages using pyrography. He also incorporated elements from Xinjiang's ethnic cultures into his designs, turning the birdcage into a medium that showcases local cultural identity.

Photo taken on November 4, 2025 shows Yang Xiaozhong does pyrography on a cage bar.

Photo taken on November 4, 2025 shows Yang Xiaozhong does pyrography on a cage bar.

Photo taken on November 4, 2025 shows Yang Xiaozhong uses a plane to smooth the material.

Photo taken on November 4, 2025 shows Yang Xiaozhong polishes birdcage accessories on a lathe.

For materials, Yang Xiaozhong uses only high-quality bamboo, boxwood, and rosewood. These materials are naturally air dried and boiled to prevent cracking, warping, or splitting. In his craftsmanship, he employs techniques like carving, openwork, engraving, inlaying, and especially pyrography. The pyrography process is particularly demanding. It is time-consuming, requires skill in drawing, and ensures that every birdcage is one of a kind. Structurally, his larger birdcages are woven using four three millimeter copper strips integrated with bamboo or wood slats, making them both strong and durable. This unique design has made his work highly popular among local residents.

Photo taken on November 9, 2025 shows Yang Xiaozhong (front, first from right) teach residents how to do pyrography on cage bars.

Photo taken on November 7, 2025 shows Yang Xiaozhong (second from right) explains the birdcage making process to residents in the community.

Photo shows the patterns carved by Yang Xiaozhong on a birdcage.

Although a birdcage may look simple, producing one involves over a hundred steps. These include designing blueprints, researching references, polishing materials, and molding parts. Each step requires great attention to detail. "My goal is to focus entirely on making birdcages that are both refined in appearance and built to last," Yang said. He has always stayed true to this vision. Today, his customers come from all over China, but he continues to focus on passing on the craft. In his free time, he has taught more than twenty apprentices free of charge. He also brings his birdcages to community exhibitions and cultural districts. This helps the traditional skill gain new relevance in the modern era.

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