CULTURE

CULTURE

The soul of the wetland, burned into reeds

By DENG ZHANGYU in Xiong'an    |    HK edition    |     Updated: 2026-04-30 08:39

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Two reed paintings by Liu Yongle. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Baiyangdian Lake in Xiong'an New Area comprises more than 140 stretches of water, and here, reeds are the water town's most cherished gift.

After soaking in the endless blue waters, make sure you don't miss another treasure hidden in this wetland: Baiyangdian reed painting, an intangible cultural heritage you can hold in your hands.

These paintings are handmade from native reeds of the lake. With natural textures and exquisite detail, they are light, portable, and carry the living memory of Xiong'an.

Reed painting dates back to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, a craft passed down for centuries in Baiyangdian. Artisans select late-season reeds which have long stems, thin skins, and are soft and pliable.

No dyes or paint are used. The art relies on the reeds' natural hues and layers of scorching to create vivid images: flowers, landscapes, birds, ducks and lions. You can feel the texture of nature and see the soul of the water town.

Liu Yongle, 59, has spent decades creating reed paintings. He studied fine brushwork at age 6, but became a teacher before going into business. However, he returned to his roots, dedicating himself to Baiyangdian's reed painting craft.

"A good work must first move the artist before it can move others," Liu says.

His ducks are fluffy and adorable, his lions are bold and wild, and his lotus flowers are elegant and pure. All come from careful observation and a masterful scorching technique.

The process begins with preparing the materials. Only the finest reeds are chosen, especially those sprouting in April, which grow fast, have little fiber, and yield thin, soft skins. Each piece is ironed to flatten it before shapes are cut. The core step is scorching, where an electric soldering iron is used to control the temperature and create light and shadow. Finally, the pieces are assembled and framed.

Among all these steps, Liu says, the most demanding is the scorching technique. The iron becomes the brush; heating the reed strips creates a palette of black, white and gray, building volume and depth. This is what gives a piece its "spirit". A good reed painter takes decades to truly master this skill.

Liu's subjects have expanded far beyond Baiyangdian's landscapes. In his hands, the iconic buildings of Xiong'an New Area, rivers, lakes, seas, and mountains all come to life in reeds.

Two reed paintings by Liu Yongle. [Photo provided to China Daily]

To let more people experience the charm of this craft, Liu is organizing a workshop in Xiongxian county, where visitors can try their hand at creating reed paintings and take home their own piece.

For those who prefer to browse, the paintings are also available at the intangible heritage workshop inside the Baiyangdian scenic area, the cultural and creative section of Xiong'an Library, and other souvenir shops. Prices vary from tens to hundreds of yuan, and even to tens of thousands of yuan.

So, after admiring the scenery and tasting the local food, take home a reed painting, a gift imbued with warmth, stories and skill.

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