Weaving boosts rural vitalization in Gaoqing county

The residents of Gaoqing county – administered by Zibo city in East China's Shandong province – have benefited a great deal from the thriving craft of weaving things from wickers or reeds, which is a traditional local handicraft.

The craft dates back 6,000 years and enjoys enduring popularity. The technique for making it in Gaoqing was officially recognized as a municipal intangible cultural heritage item in 2022.

Gaoqing weaving refers to a handicraft made of various types of herbaceous plants such as reeds, wheat straws and corn husks. The domestic uses of items made from weaving varies a great deal and there are over 100 types – ranging from sandals and candy boxes to such things as bags and ornaments.

Ren Chunhua, an official inheritor of the craft – who trains artisans and enthusiasts to pass it on to future generations – said Gaoqing's products are well received all over the world. She added they're exported to the United States, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and other destinations.

Weaving workshops led by Ren provide a guidance service to the weavers and generate annual revenue of up to 10 million yuan ($1.45 million).

Her workshops have formed an operations system for villagers, making the handicraft a pillar source of income for over 2,000 families.