Documentary highlights Suzhou's craftsmanship

A seminar on the documentary China's Secret Garden — Suzhou was held in Beijing earlier this week, bringing together filmmakers, scholars and cultural officials to discuss the film's artistic merits and its role in preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Directed by Xiao Han, known for the acclaimed documentary Masters in the Forbidden City, the film follows actor Chen Feiyu as he travels from Beijing to Suzhou, Jiangsu province, immersing himself in more than 10 of the city's intangible cultural heritage practices. These include Kunqu Opera, Suzhou embroidery, the Biluochun tea-making technique, the production of imperial kiln bricks, and gold and silver filigree craftsmanship.

Xiao said he has long been drawn to Suzhou. "Even amid rapid modernization, Suzhou has preserved its ancient charm. It still allows us to feel the aesthetic sensibilities of traditional Chinese life," he said.