Fan Yanyan shows some of her designs inspired by the folk art and history of the Silk Road in her studio in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. [Photo by Huo Yan/China Daily]

"The symbolic blue means different things in the context of religion, arts and history," Fan says.

Commenting on Fan's dedication, Wu Mancong, chairwoman of the Xi'an Women Entrepreneurs Association, says: "Fan's commitment to art and her persevering workmanship let the ancient arts from Dunhuang enter modern people's lives.

"I hope more female entrepreneurs can make good use of their unique talents to make people's lives more artistic."

Zou Yingzi, an expert of Suzhou embroidery from Jiangsu province, says: "Fan's designs integrate traditional elements and modern styles. Her dedication and wisdom make that integration look natural."

Fan recently founded a Silk Road Experience Center in her studio, exhibiting artworks from the countries and regions along the ancient corridor.

"I hope I can draw all of these foreign cultural elements in a proper manner on silk. The combination of cultures and silk can help more people understand the essence of the ancient international trade route," she says.

Contact the writers through huoyan@chinadaily.com.cn