Shixiu Zhang
Artist, Designer, Educator
Zhang Shixiu, of the Miao ethnic group, was born in February 1979 in Paimo Village, Yangwu Town, Danzhai County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. She is a county-level representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage item "Miao Batik Art." She began learning Miao batik techniques from her mother at an early age. In 2014, she founded the "Mingxiu Batik Workshop" dedicated to preserving and promoting Miao batik culture. By training local women and receiving external trainees, she has increased village incomes and contributed to the growth of local tourism.
Key Experiences and Honors:
2018: Participated in cultural exchange programs in Germany, France, Brazil, Colombia, and Russia; took part in the Qiandongnan division of the Guizhou Craftsman Selection Competition at the China (Guizhou) International Folk Art and Cultural Product Expo. 2019: Named “Danzhai Craftsperson” and recognized as a county-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor.
2020: Awarded the title of "Intangible Cultural Heritage Transmission Base"; in June, received the title of Danzhai Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor of "Miao Batik Art." Also in June, participated in Guizhou Province’s "SME Starlight Training Program" on Miao batik painting and dyeing, training 75 individuals. In August, assisted the Danzhai Poverty Alleviation Office and Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, and Tourism in organizing batik training at the “Paimo Village Mingxiu Batik ICH Poverty Alleviation Employment Workshop”.
2021: Honored as a “Qiandongnan Craftsperson”.
