This collection of hand-made embroidery has captured netizens’ eyes in China recently, and to many people’s surprises, the embroider is Zhu Jiaqi, a sophomore male student majoring in forestry at Sichuan Agricultural University in southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

Photo from the University's WeChat account

The embroidery works showcase teaching buildings, the school's library, stadium, as well as flowers on campus. According to Chengdu Evening News, Zhu started from scratch to make the collection three months ago as a gift for graduates. 

Photo from the University's WeChat account

“My university is beautiful. Every corner is full of memories and should be sewn into my work. I am busy with studies, so I just finished five pieces, with another four yet to be completed,” said Zhu.

Screenshot of  the comments on Weibo

Students and alumni gave thumbs-ups for Zhu’s talents after seeing them online. Mihuqianduoduo commented on Weibo, one of China’s largest social media platforms, “It’s awesome! I can’t even put a thread into a needle!” 

Zhu’s skills also made many girls feel overshadowed. Weibo user Miludaren said, “As a girl, I can’t stitch up my clothes.” 

Photo from the University's WeChat account

Zhu’s father, Zhu Qiang, holds a different opinion, who was not happy about his son’s hobby at first, but is changing his attitude after friends and relatives’ applause. “I thought embroidery is for women. But now, I think making embroidery, which could cultivate patience, is better than indulging in playing games.  It is his own choice. I am fine with it if he enjoys doing it.”

Photo from Chengdu Evening News

Zhu Jiaqi’s teacher, Mu Yanrui, said Zhu is passionate and talented in embroidery, but most importantly, he is working hard to improve his skills. 

“He started learning sketch, water color, and other forms of painting when he was young, so he has aesthetic basis, which could be applied to embroidery quickly. Once he made a work from seven in the morning until eleven at night, except having meals, almost 13 hours a day,” said Mu.

Photo from the University's WeChat account

“Some people may think I am naïve, but the young generation is creative, and if we could put our creativity into traditional art, revive it and make it even better, it is great,” Zhu believes.