Bonding together

Through her research, Zhang Luli, an associate professor at South-Central Minzu University in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province, has also discovered a rise in the popularity of nyushu culture on social media since March 2023, encompassing a community of young female artists and enthusiasts.

Women aged 18 to 30 form a closely-knit nyushu community, connected through social media, Zhang said.

"Their work captures the vitality and independence of modern women," she said.

"They are bringing contemporary life into this intangible cultural heritage, revitalizing and transforming nyushu."

In Jiangyong, 17-year-old Ma Bingyu from Hangzhou celebrated a unique coming-of-age ceremony. Dressed in traditional attire, she marked the milestone with the melodies of nyushu songs.