Love spreads through dough models in Ningbo

Zi Guili makes a dough model at her store in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Gouzhang]

For Zi Guili, a dough modeler who suffers from leukemia, dough models are not only how she has been making a living in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province over the past 13 years, but also a way for her to connect with the city and its residents.

Zi was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia in 2007 and came to Ningbo in 2009.

"I thought my dough models would sell better here when I first came to Ningbo," Zi recalls. Her dream came true and her products are now popular among residents. She is affectionately known as "Xiaoli".

However, due to the disease, Zi has to stop working sometimes. Learning about her illness, many locals wanted to donate money to help her. But Zi declined, saying she wanted to pay her own way.

Since then, more and more people have begun buying her dough models. Some bought a dozen dough models at a time, and some have introduced her products to their friends and relatives.

A stand was set specially for her on Chenghuang Temple Pedestrian Street.

Zi is getting better now, but will still need to take medication for the rest of her life. Last year, she opened a dough model store called "Xiaoli Dough Models" in Cicheng Ancient Town.

"Due to their support, I can feed myself by selling dough models," said Zi, "Practice makes perfect. They also give me many opportunities to improve my skills.”

Having lived in the city for more than 10 years, Zi regards Ningbo as her second home.

"Ningbo is the city where my second life began," she added, "residents of the city have been supporting me the entire way.”