Overview of Jiama Woodblock Printing Experience
Jiama (also spelled “Jiaman”) is a traditional ethnic woodblock printing tradition from the Naxi people of Lijiang, used for religious ceremonies and cultural decorations. Doing a Jiama woodblock printing experience lets you learn about this unique Naxi tradition, carve your own simple woodblock, and print your own Jiama print to take home with you.
If you’re interested in traditional Naxi culture and want to try your hand at this ancient handicraft, this is a wonderful cultural experience to add to your Lijiang itinerary.
What Does the Jiama Experience Include
A typical Jiama woodblock printing experience includes:
- Introduction to the history and cultural meaning of Jiama in Naxi culture
- Basic instruction on how to carve the woodblock
- All tools and materials: carving tool, woodblock, ink, paper
- Help from your local master artisan throughout the process
- You get to take your finished woodblock and printed Jiama home with you
Experienced artisans teach you the process step by step, so you don’t need any previous carving experience to enjoy this experience.
What Makes This Cultural Experience Special
- Unique Naxi cultural tradition – Jiama is a unique cultural tradition of the Naxi people of Lijiang that you won’t find anywhere else
- Hands-on learning – You don’t just watch, you actually carve and print your own Jiama print from start to finish
- Unique handmade souvenir – You get to take home your own hand-carved woodblock and print, it’s a completely unique souvenir
- Learn from master artisans – You learn from local Naxi artisans who have been practicing this tradition their whole lives
What to Expect During Your Experience
1. Introduction to Jiama culture (15–20 minutes)
When you arrive at the workshop, your Naxi artisan host will tell you about the history and cultural meaning of Jiama – what Jiama means in Naxi culture, how the tradition has been practiced for generations.
2. Design and carving (1–1.5 hours)
You draw your simple design onto the woodblock, then your host shows you how to do the carving, and you carve your own block step by step.
3. Printing your Jiama (15–20 minutes)
Once your block is carved you get to print your own Jiama print onto handmade paper – you can do multiple prints to take home.
The whole experience usually takes between 1.5–2.5 hours depending on how complex your design is.
Who This Experience Is Suitable For
Recommended For:
- Culture and craft lovers – If you’re interested in traditional handicrafts and Naxi culture, this is perfect
- Anyone who likes hands-on activities – Even if you’ve never carved anything before, you can do this
- Travelers looking for unique souvenirs – You get a completely one-of-a-kind handmade souvenir
Not Recommended For:
- If you don’t have at least an hour and a half to spare, you might want to choose a shorter activity
Price Range for Jiama Experience
- Basic experience with all materials: ¥120–¥200 per person
- With guidance from master artisan: included in the price above
Price includes all materials you need, and you take home everything you make.
Where Do Jiama Experiences Take Place
Most Jiama woodblock printing experiences are in workshops in or near Lijiang Ancient Town. It’s very easy to get to from your accommodation in the old town, you can just walk to most workshops from your hotel.
Many cultural tours of Lijiang include a stop at a Jiama workshop, or your hotel can help you book an experience directly.
Tips for Your Jiama Experience
- Take your time – carving is a slow process, don’t rush it, enjoy the process
- It’s normal if your carving isn’t perfect – that’s part of the charm of handmade
- Ask your host questions – they love sharing the history of Jiama with visitors
- Even if you’ve never carved before, your host will help you if you get stuck
- Your finished print dries quickly and you can take it home with you the same day
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need any carving experience to do this?
A: No experience needed! Your artisan teacher will show you everything you need to know step by step, and help you through the process. Even beginners can finish a simple nice print.
Q: Can I take what I make home with me?
A: Yes absolutely! You can take your hand-carved woodblock and your printed Jiama home with you.
Q: How long does the experience take?
A: Most people finish between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on how big and complex your design is.
Q: Is this suitable for children?
A: Older children who can handle small tools carefully can absolutely do this, it’s a great educational cultural experience for kids.
Experience Traditional Naxi Culture in Lijiang
Jiama woodblock printing is a unique ancient Naxi tradition that has survived into modern times, and doing a hands-on experience with a local master artisan gives you a deeper understanding of Naxi culture than just reading about it. You get to learn the craft firsthand and take home your own handmade creation.
If you’re looking for a cultural handicraft experience to add to your Lijiang itinerary that goes beyond just sightseeing, this is a wonderful choice. Contact us if you need help booking a spot at a authentic artisan workshop in Lijiang.
If you need help arranging this experience as part of your customized Lijiang itinerary, feel free to contact us.
