Undated file photo shows Robert Adolf (R) learning batik-making skills from a local technician in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province.
In front of the camera, Robert Adolf, a 25-year-old German, is learning horsetail embroidery techniques from the Shui people by stitching horsehair on a shoe in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua)
GUIYANG, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- In front of the camera, Robert Adolf, a 25-year-old German, is learning horsetail embroidery techniques from the Shui people by stitching horsehair on a shoe in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province.
Adolf, fascinated by Chinese culture after watching the Disney animation "Mulan" in childhood, is now immersed in recording the cultures of China's ethnic minorities by making documentaries.
Hailing from Munich, Germany, Adolf came to China after graduating from university in 2017 and now works as a translator in east China's Jiangsu Province. During his spare time, he prefers to visit ethnic areas and experience local cultures.
He has visited many places across the country during his stay over four years. He likes sharing videos about local customs and amazing sceneries and has attracted over 2 million followers on short video platforms, including Douyin and Kuaishou.
Intrigued by China's rich and diverse ethnic cultures, Adolf decided last September to record the country's ethnic minorities with his three vlogging friends during their tours. Their first stop was Guizhou, inhabited by 17 ethnic groups.
"In some ethnic regions in Guizhou, even two neighboring villages have different costumes, dialects and celebrations, which is amazing," the young man said.
He experiences locals' lives and records more details by living at their residences. So far, he has visited people of seven ethnic groups, including Miao, Dong, and Shui.
Adolf said despite the differences in cultures and customs, the people he met were warm and hospitable. When they shot videos in the villages, many villagers invited them to their homes for a meal.
While filming the horsetail embroidery, Adolf acquainted himself with 58-year-old Wang Minzhi, who posts short videos on Douyin and sells local specialties via livestreaming.
"In her 50s, she still keeps a young mind and passion for life, which moved me a lot," Adolf said about Wang.
The rich and diverse ethnic cultures bring him passion and motivation to record. "I don't have a fixed filming plan, but I will never stop until I meet all the 55 ethnic minorities," he said. ■
California congressman urges closer consultation with tribes on offshore wind
Britain's Daley/Lee win men's synchronised 10m platform at Tokyo Olympics
Minnesota Uber and Lyft driver pay package beats deadline to win approval in Legislature
World Giraffe Day celebrated in Yongin, South Korea
2023 Edition of 'Xi Jinping on the Belt and Road Initiative' Published
Technological innovation progress comes with rise of China's Silicon Valley
Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh
Storms damage homes in Oklahoma and Kansas. But in Houston, most power is restored
China calls on G20 members to advance partnership spirit