In Urumqi, China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Meng Lulu, a leather carving artisan and city-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor, has devoted more than a decade to preserving this traditional craft.

Meng Lulu is seen making leather carving pieces at her studio in Urumqi, Xinjiang on March 17, 2025. /VCG

Meng Lulu is seen making leather carving pieces at her studio in Urumqi, Xinjiang on March 17, 2025. /VCG

Meng Lulu is seen preparing the leather for cutting at her studio in Urumqi, Xinjiang on March 17, 2025. /VCG

Meng Lulu is seen preparing the leather for cutting at her studio in Urumqi, Xinjiang on March 17, 2025. /VCG

Leather carving is an intricate art that involves pressing, stretching, punching, etching and dyeing plant-tanned leather to create distinctive patterns. Rooted in the nomadic cultures of the grasslands, this time-honored craft has flourished in China for centuries.

Meng Lulu is seen trimming leather to size at her studio in Urumqi, Xinjiang on March 17, 2025. /VCG

Meng's passion for leatherwork began in childhood, inspired by the exquisite carvings on saddles and the fluid lines of handcrafted whips. After graduating from university, she traveled to Inner Mongolia to become an apprentice under Li Siqin, a master in the intangible cultural heritage of leather carving. Years of dedicated studies led her to establish her own leather carving studio, where she continues to refine her artistry.

Beyond perfecting her craft, Meng is deeply committed to cultural preservation and education. She has trained hundreds of apprentices and actively conducts workshops for herders as part of ongoing poverty alleviation initiatives. Through her efforts, she not only keeps this ancient art alive but also ensures that its legacy thrives for future generations.