Quiet communication

The death of centenarian Yang Huanyi in 2004 marked the start of a post-nyushu era. Yang was considered the last of the nyushu users raised amid its cultural backdrop, practicing it in daily life.

But the script's decline also drew attention across various fields. Nyushu workshops in Jiangyong sparked renewed interest, introducing more people to the cultural treasure. In 2006, the State Council listed nyushu as national intangible cultural heritage. A nyushu museum was established on Puwei island in May 2002, further preserving it for future generations.

Nyushu is now finding new resonance among a generation of young women. Through exhibitions, field trips and community building, they are breathing new life into the unique language and transforming it from a cultural relic into a vibrant symbol of modern female expression.