When Xiong Chuanfa, 34, blows a lifelike tiger out of sugar in just minutes, kids look at him in surprise thinking he is a magician.
Xiong has been blowing sugar figurines(吹糖人) for over twenty years. Blowing sugar figurines is a Chinese traditional folk(民间) art with a history of over 600 years and has been listed as a state-level intangible cultural heritage.
Every morning. Xiong prepares the sugar and drives to different markets in Nanchang to start his magic show.
He heats(加热) the sugar, pulls off a little to make a ball and blows it into different shapes —a rabbit, a monkey, and even Bing Dwen Dwen, the mascot of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
People, especially little kids, are interested in his skills. ▲ he also stops by colleges.
Many college students have been drawn to the art, waiting in line for hands-on experience. Among them, Simon, a foreign student, couldn't help having a try. Though it looked easy, he found it difficult to make it. Thanks to Xiong's help, Simon finally saw a horse slowly taking shape.
Simon was deeply moved after learning about the art. "I just can't believe the traditional folk art can be kept so well here. I love it. Chinese culture should be spread around the world," he said.
This art has been passed down for four generations(代) in Xiong's family. His 6-year-old son often blows sugar balloons, just like what he used to do as a child.
"We will pass on the intangible heritage," said Xiong.
