Technology revitalizes Sunan county's intangible cultural heritage

Artisans look at different designs on a laptop inside the intangible cultural heritage master studio in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province. [Photo provided to gozhangye.com]

In Sunan Yugur autonomous county of Zhangye, Gansu province, traditional craftsmanship is embracing a high-tech transformation.

Inside the local intangible cultural heritage (ICH) master studio, the rhythmic hum of two newly introduced digital embroidery machines signals a new era for traditional ethnic clothing production. Vivid embroidery patterns emerge seamlessly on fabric, as ICH representative inheritor Pan Xiaohong leads a team in combining artificial intelligence with traditional techniques to create modern ethnic garments.

Artisans work inside the intangible cultural heritage master studio in Sunan Yugur autonomous county, Zhangye, Gansu province. [Photo provided to gozhangye.com]

The production process now integrates AI pattern design, digital printing, fully-automated gold stamping, hand sewing, and edging, significantly enhancing efficiency while preserving the unique cultural aesthetics of the Yugur people.

"Thanks to modern technology, everything has changed," Pan told visiting tourists placing custom orders. "In the past, it took nearly a year to handcraft a single set of traditional Yugur clothing."

At present, by blending machine precision with handmade detailing, we can finish a complete outfit in just one week. The patterns are more innovative, the embroidery is consistent, and the cost is much lower—so more people are placing orders.

This fusion of tradition and innovation is breathing new life into intangible cultural heritage in Sunan, making ancient craftsmanship more accessible and sustainable in the modern era.