Woodcarvings of Nezha are made by Jin Zuokang and Wei Niaoying. [Photo/jinhua.com.cn]

Several lifelike woodcarvings of Nezha have seized the attention of visitors at the Dongyang China Woodcarvings City in Jinhua, Zhejiang province.

The vibrant wooden renditions of Nezha exhibit a range of expressions, from fierce determination to playful charm, or exuding a spirited refusal to yield.

The exquisite creations were crafted by skilled couple Jin Zuokang and Wei Niaoying, who have both honed their woodcarving craft since the age of 16.

Wei shared that she and her husband are ardent fans of the recent animated film Ne Zha 2. The character of Nezha in the film, blending deep-rooted Chinese mythos with a contemporary ethos, resonated profoundly with them, inspiring the idea to breathe life into Nezha's essence through woodcarvings.

Opting for boxwood as the material, Wei explained that its sturdy nature lends itself well to intricate detailing, allowing for the creation of figures that capture essence authentically.

This isn't the first time the couple have infused popular characters into their woodcarving repertoire. For example, when the game Black Myth: Wukong became popular last year, they created woodcarvings of the Monkey King.

A woodcarving work of the Monkey King. [Photo/jinhua.com.cn]

The woodcarvings featuring their beloved characters are not merely commodities to the couple but a manifestation of their love for traditional craftsmanship and creative expression.

Jin expressed pride in witnessing Chinese culture making strides globally, hoping to invigorate Dongyang woodcarving by blending traditional techniques with contemporary cultural elements, fostering a newfound appreciation for this ancient art form.