Intangible Cultural Heritage on the Journey: A Day Making Oil-Paper Umbrellas in Wuyuan

⭐Beyond exploring Jiangxi's stunning landscapes, experiencing intangible cultural heritage became a highlight of my trip. From Wuyuan to Jingdezhen, I not only handcrafted Yuting cakes and ceramic cups but also immersed myself in the charm of traditional oil-paper umbrellas, making the journey endlessly fascinating. ⭐Jialu Oil-Paper Umbrellas were listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. Though I didn’t visit Jialu Village this time, I discovered an equally impressive umbrella workshop in nearby Qinghua Town. There, I witnessed the intricate process of making oil-paper umbrellas and even snapped some beautiful photos. - ⭐During my visit, only a few master craftsmen were at work, allowing me to observe each step clearly: 1️⃣ Crafting the Umbrella Frame: Wuyuan’s oil-paper umbrellas typically have 24, 28, or 48 bamboo ribs. The bamboo strips are soaked, dried, and shaped without any adhesives or nails. 2️⃣ Pasting the Umbrella Surface: The master skillfully attached pre-cut cotton paper to the frame with paste, seamlessly joining multiple sheets without visible seams. 3️⃣ Painting the Umbrella: Traditional Chinese painting pigments were used, and designs could be customized to personal taste. 4️⃣ Applying Tung Oil and Assembly: This step required repeated drying and 2-3 coats of tung oil, so I couldn’t observe it fully. The finished umbrella was later shipped to me by the craftsman. - 📌 Address: Navigate directly to Zhuan’tang Umbrella Workshop in Qinghua Town. 💰 Cost: 148 RMB per hand-painted umbrella. 🅿️ Parking: Free parking available in the workshop courtyard. 💡 The workshop thoughtfully provides fill lights and photo setups, making it photographer-friendly. For dramatic lighting effects, you can even request smoke pellets from the owner. Community Creation Center