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CHENGDU, China, July 31, 2023 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

On July 29, in the Men's Nanquan of Wushu tournament, China's athlete Cao

Maoyuan won the first gold medal at the 31st FISU World University Games with a

score of 9.770.

Cao Maoyuan stood on the podium, showcasing his glory to the world. The medal

around his neck, accompanied by a radiant medal ribbon, caught everyone's

attention. But what makes this seemingly ordinary medal ribbon so remarkable?

It's the embodiment of Chengdu's cultural charm. According to Hu Guangjun, the

director of the Chengdu Shu Brocade Research Institute, the medal ribbon for

this edition of the Games has ingeniously incorporated the millennia-old

weaving techniques of Shu brocade. Adorned with iconic symbols of Chengdu's

historical and cultural significance, such as hibiscus flowers and sun birds,

the ribbon exudes a captivating luster. This transforms China's intangible

cultural heritage into a tangible "Rongguang" (the brilliance of Chengdu) that

can be truly appreciated.

Shu brocade weaving skills are China's national intangible cultural heritage.

Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Shu brocade has been a vital "protagonist" in

trade along the Silk Road, earning its place as a cultural emblem of Chengdu

and a symbol of cultural exchange between the East and West. With the unveiling

of the first medal of the Games, Chengdu proudly showcases this cherished

cultural business card to the world once again.

This outstanding cultural business card was produced in the workshop of Chengdu

Shu Brocade Research Institute in Shuangliu District. According to Hu Guangjun,

the location of the Chengdu Shu Brocade Research Institute in Shuangliu stems

from its long history of silk culture. During the Three Kingdoms period,

renowned strategist Zhuge Liang resided in Gemo Village, Shuangliu, where he

emphasized the significance of Shu brocade by stating, "In the current

circumstances of impoverishment and an empty treasury, we rely solely on Shu

brocade for the necessary materials to confront our enemies." This highlights

the historical importance of Shu brocade at that time. Moreover, a piece of Shu

brocade known as "Lianzhu Loong Pattern Brocade" was excavated from the 226th

tomb of Astana in Turpan, Xinjiang in the last century. The relic clearly

records its origin in Shuangliu, bearing witness to the flourishing and

prosperous Shu brocade industry in the Shuangliu region during the Tang Dynasty.

To infuse traditional Shu brocade with a fashionable touch, Hu Guangjun

collaborated with a design team composed of Ma Liwa, a teacher, and students

from the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts at Chengdu University. Together, they

tirelessly refined and revised the design, from pattern creation to machine

production. This meticulous process took nearly six months to complete.

Moreover, the transformation of mulberry silk into the medal ribbons required

over 70 intricate steps.

Apart from the medal ribbons, the Chengdu Shu Brocade Research Institute has

introduced a range of Games-related merchandise crafted from Shu brocade

fabrics, including mirrors and bucket hats. These products seamlessly blend

traditional culture with contemporary fashion elements, showcasing the

progressive charm of Shu brocade. As a result, they have captured the attention

of many young individuals who are now eager to explore and appreciate the

beauty of Shu brocade.

Source: The Chengdu Shu Brocade Research Institute

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   Caption: Medal Ribbon of Chengdu FISU Games