Nestled in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, clay sculptor Cui Haihai has spent over 20 years capturing the essence of rural life through his hands. From a childhood shaped by the rich landscapes of his village to mastering the intricate techniques of clay art, Cui hopes that his work can "recreate rural life from the 1970s and 80s, based on [his] childhood memories."

Cui's sculptures bring to life scenes like threshing fields during autumn harvests or wedding ceremonies, reflecting not only the beauty of tradition, but also the joy of community. The process includes fermenting red glue clay for months, shaping hollow figures to avoid cracks and observing real-life expressions to breathe life into his art.

For Cui, clay sculpture is more than a craft – it's a way to preserve the soul of a culture. "What I've been holding on to is meaningful for future generations, so they know that in our era, someone created these sculptures. It's a valuable memorial for those who come after us."

During his free time, Cui teaches children the basics of clay art, marveling at their creativity and imagination. "It's important to bring this craft into schools," he said, "then it's passed down, keeping the craft alive."

(Video filmed by Hu Rui, directed by Chen Hongyu, edited by Li Shuang.)