Baiyangdian Lake, located in the Xiong’an New Area, is known not only for its expansive waters and more than 140 interconnected water stretches but also for a unique form of traditional craftsmanship: reed painting. This centuries-old art, rooted in the Ming and Qing dynasties, utilizes native reeds from the lake to create intricate, hand-crafted works that capture the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Reed paintings are made entirely from the reeds’ natural colors and textures, with no dyes or additional paints applied. Artisans rely on detailed scorching techniques to impart shading and depth, using electric soldering irons to carefully burn the reed strips and produce a palette of blacks, grays, and whites. This method brings subjects such as flowers, birds, landscapes, and local wildlife to vivid life, embodying the spirit of Baiyangdian’s wetland environment.
Liu Yongle, a 59-year-old artist and dedicated practitioner, exemplifies the mastery behind this craft. Having studied fine brushwork from a young age and briefly pursued teaching and business, Liu returned to focus on preserving and promoting Baiyangdian’s reed painting tradition. His work includes depictions of local fauna—such as ducks and lions—and natural scenes, as well as broader landscapes and architecture from across the Xiong’an New Area.
The process of creating reed paintings begins with selecting the best reeds, typically harvested in April when the stems are tender and thin-skinned. After ironing the reeds flat, the artist cuts them into shapes and carefully applies scorching to define light, shadow, and texture before assembling the pieces into framed artworks. Liu highlights scorching as the most challenging part, equating the heated iron to a brush that must be skillfully wielded to bestow each piece with its distinctive “spirit.”
To make this heritage craft accessible, Liu is organizing workshops in Xiongxian county where visitors can try reed painting themselves and create their own souvenirs. Additionally, finished works are available for purchase at the intangible cultural heritage workshop within the Baiyangdian scenic area, as well as in cultural sections of the Xiong’an Library and local souvenir shops. Prices for these handcrafted paintings range broadly from several tens to tens of thousands of yuan, reflecting variations in size, complexity, and artistic value.
As Xiong’an develops, the reed painting craft remains an enduring link to the natural and cultural identity of Baiyangdian, offering a tangible connection to the region’s history and environment for both residents and visitors.