In Hotan, the centuries-old craft of mulberry bark papermaking—recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item and hailed as the "living fossil of China's papermaking industry"—is being revitalized by a new generation of inheritors.

At the Mulberry Bark Paper Industrial Park, apprentices born after 2000 are honing their skills under the guidance of master artisans. Some have already mastered the entire production process, from selecting raw materials to producing finished sheets, and are confident in carrying the craft forward. Meanwhile, a group of young designers is reimagining mulberry bark paper beyond its traditional use as a writing material. Their creations—including lamps, folding fans, bookmarks, and keychains—combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and have become popular souvenirs among tourists.

Today, mulberry bark paper produced using traditional techniques is widely used by archaeological research institutions across China. Innovatively designed cultural and creative products have attracted a steady stream of custom orders. Educational programs exploring the theme of "Mulberry Bark Paper and Xinjiang's Cultural Evolution" are drawing increasing numbers of local students. The industrial park has also become a popular tourist destination, with both visitor numbers and sales revenue continuing to grow. Mulberry bark paper is not only returning to everyday life but also contributing to local economic development as a new driver of growth.