Folk woodlock painting inherited in Hebei Province(1/4)

Ma Xiqin, an inheritor of Wuqiang Woodlock New Year Paintings, carves New year Paintings in Wuqiang County, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 28, 2021. (Photo: China News Service/Su Xiaoli)

Wuqiang Woodlock New Year Paintings are a national intangible cultural heritage with strong folk features. The traditional folk art can be as popular as Yangliuqing New Year Paintings in Tianjin and Weifang New Year Paintings in Shandong.

Ma started to learn the technique at 16. He has trained over 100 engraving and printing staffs to better carry forward the Hebei folk art.

Ma Xiqin exchanges ideas on printing techniques with his apprentice in Wuqing County, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 28, 2021. (Photo: China News Service/Su Xiaoli)

Ma Xiqin exchanges ideas on printing techniques with his apprentice in Wuqing County, north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 28, 2021. (Photo: China News Service/Su Xiaoli)

Ma Xiqin draws ink line draft for the woodlock painting in Wuqing County, north China's Hebei Province, on Oct. 28, 2021. (Photo: China News Service/Su Xiaoli)