Shu Brocade Cultural Corridor Unveiled at International Hall of Terminal 1, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Shu Brocade originated in Chengdu, and is a tangible heritage of the ancient Shu civilization. Shuangliu, Chengdu, has been the core tribute-producing area of Shu Brocade since ancient times.

On July 30, with the reopening of International Hall at Terminal 1 of Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, the"Splendor of Shu Brocade" Cultural Corridor located in the arrival zone was unveiled simultaneously. The moment travelers step into Chengdu, a long scroll of Shua Brocade spanning over two thousand years unfolds before their eyes. The cultural corridor, jointly built by Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Shuangliu District, transforms the transit passage into a miniature exhibition hall, making every arrival experience into an unexpected encounter with intangible cultural heritage.

(Photo by Gou Xiangkai)

With 9 cultural-themed walls, 12 physical Shu Brocade artifacts and five major historical sections as carriers, the corridor traces the 2,000-year-long development lineage of Shu Brocade. Following the footprints of time, from the ancient Shu ancestors' brocade-weaving wisdom, the splendid scenery along the Silk Road, to today's emerging intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship, the historical context flows on quietly amid every step, allowing travelers to understand the essence of Shu Brocade, and the soul of Chengdu as they walk through.

Unlike traditional exhibitions, the 12 physical Shu Brocade artifacts in the corridor are presented in an open manner. Travelers can not only stop to admire the shimmering patterns, but also gently touch the fabric texture, feeling the delicacy and warmth of the interwoven warp and weft. The intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship that once could only be admired from afar behind glass has now become fully viewable, appreciable and touchable here, endowing the millennia-old artisan ingenuity with a more tangible, warm presence.

(Photo by Ding Ping)

In the corridor, a set of ‌Shu Brocade costume display installations‌ stands out remarkably and draws widespread attention. When ancient patterns meet modern design, Shu Brocade is no longer merely a memory confined to history, but it has evolved into Chinese-style garments and cultural creative works that integrate into contemporary life, endowing Shu Brocade with enduring new vitality amid its inheritance.

Considering the short dwell time and high mobility of airport passengers, the corridor adopts a design that combines open display with a timeline narrative, integrating culture into the journey and making the exhibition unfold alongside every step of travelers. A brief stop, a glance at the gorgeous patterns, and a gentle touch of the fabric can all become travelers' first and most profound cultural memory of Chengdu.

From the treasured fine brocade along the ancient Silk Road to the cultural corridor in today's airport terminal, Shu Brocade, spanning thousands of years, once again warmly welcomes visitors from all over the world. It weaves the timeless charm of Sichuan and Chongqing regions through interlaced warp and weft threads, and bridges the ancient and modern times with delicate silk strands. When travelers walk out of the airport with this precious memory of Shu Brocade, they take away far more than just a journey, but also the gentle, time-honored cultural charm of the city that lingers on. [Li Xiaolan, Li Peiyuan (Internship)]

Translated by: Zhang Feng from Jinan University

Reviewed by: Mao Min from Beijing Yooyi Culture and Media Com., Ltd.