Blue calico, a national intangible cultural heritage item in Nantong, Jiangsu province, emerging from the depths of time, has been reborn through innovative expression.

Yu Hongjin, a member of the Chinese Folk Literature and Art Association and the inheritor of Qidong blue calico intangible cultural heritage, said that his first task was to draw inspiration from tradition. What must remain unchanged is our traditional dyeing technique.

"How can we weave intangible cultural heritage into modern life? I believe that while preserving its traditional utility and aesthetic charm, we must always anchor it in the present. Adapting blue calico to meet today's needs is essential", Yu said.

Wang Ruyi, who runs the Ruyi Studio, said that blue calico always carries a timeless, rustic charm but often lacks modern flair. So, she wants to create accessories that reimagine it in a fashionable way, breathing new life into the art.

She introduced that her design philosophy blended vintage charm with modern fashion, fusing ethnic elements with contemporary style, making it appealing to more young people. She believes that's how it can go even further.

Gong Jianpei, professor at Nanjing University of the Arts, said that from the perspective of renewal, our intangible cultural heritage should not only be inherited, but also expanded, and elevated to new heights. This means that from design concepts, patterns, and themes to expressions, everything needs to keep up.

"The work I do with my students has already led to innovations in the patterns. It results in a fresh, new look that is more appealing to young people and society as a whole", he noted.