Editor's Note:  This article is produced in collaboration with the Chongqing Institute of Foreign Studies as part of a series of ongoing reports exploring the city's abundant resources in intangible cultural heritages.

The history of Liangping bamboo curtains spans over a millennium. Historical records suggest that as early as the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 A.D.), these curtains were esteemed as royal tributes and were widely celebrated as “the best curtain in the world.” Nowadays, only one shop remains on Liangshan Road in the Liangping District of Chongqing, specializing in these bamboo curtains. This shop, managed by the middle-aged Mr. Lu, stands as a testament to his dedication to preserving the bamboo curtain tradition and fulfilling a promise to his father.

Mr. Lu’s decision to uphold this craft is born out of a commitment he made to his father.

According to him, Liangping bamboo curtains, also known as Liangping bamboo curtain paintings, are a form of handmade art. They are crafted by using the finest Bambusa emeiensis viridiflavus (Ying Yang Bamboo) as the raw material, woven by artisans through a series of intricate steps subsequently adorned with exquisite imagery.

During the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties (1600–1644 A.D.), folk artist Fang Bingnan pioneered the art of painting on bamboo curtains, thus introducing Liangping bamboo curtains to the revered realms of arts and crafts.

Along with the market demands, the production technology of these bamboo curtains has been continually refined, and the designs and assortments are constantly renovated. Besides, naturally combined with embroidery and painting, high-quality and exquisite bamboo curtains are produced. This allows for the seamless transference of this traditional culture into the contemporary era.

The finest locally sourced Ying Yang Bamboo are refined into bamboo threads as delicate as strands of hair. Afterward, they are woven into the unique bamboo curtains, as thin as cicadas’ wings and resembling brocade in their texture and finesse after more than 80 procedures. Integrated with elements of calligraphy, painting, or embroidery, they can be in various forms of hanging curtains, screens, decorative paintings, and some other practical handicrafts, all of which feature fine craftsmanship, elegant colors, local characteristics, and natural charm.

Thin as the wings of cicadas and light as a wisp of smoke, 

With myriad threads intricately intertwined. 

With dexterous hands and crafted by adept hands of artisans,

Liangping bamboo curtains earned their title of “the best curtain in the world.”

This acclaim genuinely reflects the esteem for Liangping bamboo curtains. Noted painters, such as Su Baozhen and Huang Zhou, had once traveled to Liangping to create exquisite bamboo curtain paintings on these renowned bamboo curtains, contributing to their rich tapestry of artistry and elegance.

Bamboo curtain paintings adorning a window allow unobstructed ventilation, facilitating views from the inside out but not vice versa. Moreover, some designs depict magnificent renditions of blue skies and white clouds, adding a touch of aesthetic grace.

Marshal Zhu De lauded it as “one of the great achievements of New China.” Friends from the former Soviet Union referred to it as “the best curtain in the world.” Deng Xiaoping esteemed it highly, selecting it as a gift during his traveling abroad to attend the General Assembly of the United Nations.

In 2008, Liangping Bamboo Curtains was listed in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage items.

Mr. Lu, the sole remaining inheritor of Liangping bamboo curtains, candidly said that should he relinquish this pursuit, this unique craftsmanship would face the peril of eternal loss.

What defines civilization? At its core, civilization thrives on communication. O When the impetus to express and connect diminishes, it risks extinction. Perhaps the meaning of civilization commences with the communicator through different layers of expression and transmission until it anchors, germinates, and flourishes within the recipient, reaching the peak in its ultimate evolution. The tradition strengthens itself by continuously interfacing with fresh perspectives, novel experiences, and evolving contexts.

As young people of the new era, it is our duty to embrace and uphold the cultural heritage passed down by our ancestors. We should carry on the torch of civilization and keep the flame burning for all eternity. We must not only preserve our culture but also have the courage to innovate and express, to engage in dialogue with the myriad of magnificent cultures around the globe. Through this exchange and enrichment, we can ensure the perpetual vibrancy and resilience of Chinese culture and civilization.

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Chinese script: Li Meng
Tutored by: Xie Jiaoyang

Translation: Tan Mei Ling
Tutored by: Huang Yan  Lu Siying  Hu Wei 

Voice-over: Wang Xin
Tutored by: Lei Yu