Taizhou embroidery work Yong by Lin Xia. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfb001]

Two projects from Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang province — a folk-art performance and a piece of taixiu (Taizhou embroidery) — were selected for the inaugural Zhijiangchao Cultural Awards, according to the award list released on March 10.

The Zhijiangchao Cultural Awards, established by Zhejiang in 2025, are biennial awards recognizing cultural and artistic achievements, with this year honoring 80 winners from across the province.

One of the Taizhou projects, Yong, is an embroidery piece created by Chinese Arts and Crafts Master Lin Xia. Lin's work reflects deep philosophical contemplations on life, the universe, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Taixiu traditions date back to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), when Western embroidery techniques merged with local crafts, giving rise to a unique style.

Lin, known for her innovative approach, combines traditional methods with 3D and conceptual art, creating a new embroidery genre that enriches the taixiu form. Yong draws inspiration from natural organisms, such as fungi, conveying the interconnectedness of all life through intricate embroidery techniques and abstract designs.