An exhibition of Gu embroidery opened in the Du’s Mansion in Songjiang Old Town to commemorate the annual Cultural Heritage Day.

It features photography works by grassroots shutterbugs Gu Weiqiang, Hu Weiguo and Shen Jianxin. More than 30 photos trace the development of the ancient style of Gu embroidery.

Gu embroidery is one of Songjiang’s most famous “intangible cultural heritage,” but the stories behind its most famous practitioners are rarely brought to light.

The three photographers spent two months learning about embroidery and the people who create it. They used scenic garden settings for some of their shots.

The project required a focus on three women of different ages who were Gu embroidery artists. They were chosen from 20 applicants.

“We want to tell the world that the tradition is not forgotten,” said Hu, one of the three photographers. “Embroidery has been passed on for generations.”