Gao Tunzi photographs the daily scenes of the ethnic Qiang people with a focus on embroidery. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Embroidery has undergone rejuvenation as a livelihood, especially among women. The outside world has rediscovered the folk art and sales channels have expanded.

Qiang embroidery patterns vary from household to household, zhai to zhai.

"Qiang people can make many items embroidered works aside from just clothing," Gao says.

"Ornaments, including girdles, earrings, necklaces, hairpins and badges can be embroidered. Shoes, too," Gao says.

Zhu Bo, a 29-year-old engineer who visited the exhibition, says: "The pieces remind me of the hand-knit blouses and trousers my mother and grandma made. All the patterns are spontaneous, and the workmanship is so delicate that you can boast to your peers."

The photographer says he hopes the show can be a bridge between youth and the very ancient, and let Shanghai's children see a culture, place and people different from those they are familiar with.

"I hope this inspires kids to wonder and explore different cultures," Gao says.

wuyiyao@chinadaily.com.cn

IF YOU GO:

Atrium

1033 Moyu Nanlu (South Road), near Cao'an Lu (Road), Jiading district, Shanghai.

10 am-8 pm, until June 1.

Free Admission

Chinese oil paintings on display in Beijing	Beijing in the 1980s