In Nanfeng, Jiangxi province, Nor masks are more than just wood carvings. Their faith etched into wood and epics woven into the land's very soul. For a thousand years, they've stood watch, guarding this place and whispering the age-old wish for a prosperous nation and peaceful people, vivid fiery colors to the grand tapestry of Chinese civilization. Since childhood, I've heard elders say that Nor masks in Nanfeng can speak. They are warriors that ward evil and messengers that bring blessings. This summer vacation, I embarked on a journey of exploration to Nanfeng, the hometown of Nor dance. Wandering its gray break and white

In the townhouses, you can feel that Null has never been far from life. In the deep lanes and side streets it seems that every corner holds a story of guardianship To witness the birth of Null Mask with my own eyes I visited the studio of Luo Chunming a provincial intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Noir Mask carving The Noir Masks displayed quietly here carry the lingering warmth of old canvas wood in their paint and in their expressions lies the dedication of a craftsman who has guarded this craft for half his life.

As I gaze at the knife carved strokes, it suddenly hits me. Good carving is never about conquering the wood. Instead, it's about pressing the carving knife gently to the wood's surface and pouring reverence into the weight of every single cut. Only when I truly held the carving knife in my hand did I understand the immense weight of the two characters, Jiang Xin, the tremor that traveled from my fingertips to my heart.

This is the living cultural confidence I felt. Talking with Master Luo helped me figure out the steps to make a Nuo mask. He said there are five stages Thank you We chose to dry the first stage The so rough cut is to use our carving knife to cut out the rough lines Then we use the fine to gradually improve the shape The wood has some fine-tuning to be done, and then we polish it.

We chose this large piece of rock to be the base color. When I asked Master Luo, Do you wish more people could see Noah masks? He replied, Watching an ordinary piece of canvas wood turn into a vivid, expressive mask through hands of a craftsman touched me deeply.

His inheritance relies on the patience and dedication of generations. It carries the Chinese people's longing for good life. A wish that resonates with people all over the world. When I told James, this is China's intangible cultural heritage, he was amazed. It was his first time hearing about Noh masks It makes me think that many cultures have ways to express good wishes but this one is really unique I definitely tell my friends about this when I get back This is such an amazing part of Chinese culture Stepping into the Nanfeng International No-Mask Cultural Exhibition Hall, I saw a shared emotion of humanity, The longing for peace and the reverence for nature, taking on diverse expressions across different civilizations.

In front of the Nanfeng Nuo masks, I read a unique Chinese story. Standing before the Echo Wall of the world, I became even more certain that their value should not be confined to this hall alone. They need to go out into the world to be seen and heard, and I'm willing to be the one who passes on this cultural calling card. From this journey, I didn't take a single norm mask with me, but I did carry something far more precious in my heart.

Master lost concentration as he carved and fanned fragrance of camphor. To let the world see Nanfeng's norm masks, to tell Chinese stories, and to spread Chinese voices, this is guarding the craft for our generation.