Carving a hidden gem of heritage

Li Xiaofang works on a leather carving in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. — CHINA DAILY

HOW much impact can a single elective course have? For Li Xiaofang, one made a great impact on her entire career.

Born in 1994 in Tongliao, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Li was a junior studying art design at Inner Mongolia University when she enrolled in a class on traditional ethnic Mongolian leather carving, a national intangible cultural heritage – a decision that changed her life.