In early December 2025, twelve BA in Fashion students from the School of Fashion and Textiles at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University participated in a week-long Beijing Cultural Heritage Study Trip, which focused on traditional Chinese dyeing techniques and textile heritage. The programme was jointly organised with Beijing Union University and led by Professor Guan Lansheng from its Faculty of Art. Professor Guan, a recognised representative inheritor of China’s intangible cultural heritage in dyeing and resist-dyeing techniques, guided the students through this immersive cultural experience.
Throughout the trip, students engaged in an intensive, practice-based learning experience that integrated hands-on workshops, museum visits, and site-based cultural observation. The programme aimed to deepen students’ understanding of traditional textile craftsmanship while situating these practices within broader historical, artistic, and cultural contexts.
A core component of the study trip was a series of immersive workshops on blue calico and indigo dyeing, hosted at Beijing Union University. Under Professor Guan’s guidance, students experienced the complete process of traditional resist dyeing, including pattern design and block carving, preparation of resist paste, indigo vat dyeing, oxidation, washing, and waxing techniques. Through repeated dyeing cycles and material experimentation, students observed how craftsmanship, patience, and embodied knowledge shape the final textile outcomes.
Each student produced multiple original textile pieces, translating traditional techniques into personal creative expressions. The workshops not only enabled students to move beyond theoretical understanding and directly engage with the tacit skills embedded in intangible cultural heritage practices, but also offered insights into how such heritage crafts can inspire sustainable fashion approaches through the use of natural dyes and resource-conscious methods.
Complementing the studio-based learning, the programme incorporated visits to major cultural and artistic institutions in Beijing. Students explored the Palace Museum, gaining insights into imperial material culture, architectural heritage, and the historical circulation of artefacts. At the Art Museum of Tsinghua University, students visited the exhibition Splendour of Skirts: The Enduring Appeal and Contemporary Resonance of the Mamianqun, led by a professional docent. The exhibition traced the evolution of traditional Chinese dress and its reinterpretation in contemporary design, encouraging students to reflect on the continuity between historical costume systems and modern fashion narratives.
Students also visited the China National Arts and Crafts Museum, further enriching their understanding of traditional craftsmanship and decorative arts. The tour additionally included a visit to the 798 Art District, where students observed how former industrial spaces have been transformed into hubs for contemporary art, design, and creative industries. This visit offered insights into urban regeneration, cultural production, and the dialogue between tradition and contemporary artistic expression.
Overall, the Beijing Cultural Heritage Study Trip provided students with a holistic learning experience that combined hands-on making, cultural immersion, and critical observation. By working directly with a master practitioner of intangible cultural heritage and engaging with China’s rich artistic landscape, students developed a deeper appreciation of traditional textile knowledge and its relevance to contemporary design practice, including its potential contributions to sustainable fashion. The programme exemplified the value of cross-institutional collaboration and experiential learning in nurturing culturally informed and critically engaged future fashion practitioners.
