阅读理解
Shu embroidery（蜀绣） is one of the most famous embroidery styles in China. It's well-known for its strong expression and smooth needlework.
The characteristics are greatly influenced by geographical environment, customs and cultures. As we all know, people in Sichuan Province enjoy a slow lifestyle, so when embroidering, they are usually patient and willing to spend time on pursuing the form's intricacy（复杂精致） and elegance （优雅）. This could be the reason why Shu embroidery was listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage（非物质文化遗产） in 2006.
Making beautiful Shu embroidery products is never easy. It needs super workmanship（卓越工艺）.
Meng Dezhi, 59, was born to a family of embroiderers. She was one of the most talented employees at the Chengdu Shu embroidery factory. The long and repetitive nature of the process often challenges her. Even for an experienced master like Meng, finishing a piece needs several days or even a few months. And in winter, when her hands and feet are freezing, things become even more difficult, but her love for the work has encouraged Meng to continue.
"These experiences may sometimes discourage me, but the love for Shu embroidery always gives me courage to continue, "said Meng. Meng has also popularized the culture of Shu embroidery when the tradition was at the risk of fading（衰落）. Many cheap products are made by modern machines. In 2005, the factory where Meng worked was forced to close. To make a living and pass along the traditional technique, Meng rented a small space of 10 square meters to teach Shu embroidery skills.
"In the early days, I set up the company just for living, but now I really feel that I have the responsibility to pass on Shu embroidery skills to young people, to let it run from generation to generation, "she told China Daily.
