Old traditions build a new life in Shaanxi

The people of Hanzhong, Shaanxi province are embroidering and weaving their way to a better future through traditional craftsmanship.

As the ancient home of the Qiang people, who have thrived for generations, Hanzhong has an abundance of skilled artisans known for their colorful creations of vibrant threads and their sturdy woven works of rattan - a vine-like plant that has been used for centuries to make all manner of furniture and other plaited products.

Their traditional craftsmanship has always captured the essence and charm of life, but now it's also playing a pivotal role in a new form of prosperity.

Through innovative development, Qiang embroidery products have found their way into international markets, with exports to Singapore and collaborations with renowned brands, such as BMW in Germany, said Li Hao, head of the intangible cultural heritage department of the Hanzhong Cultural and Tourism Bureau.

This has led to the employment of about a thousand local embroiderers, each earning an additional income of around 10,000 to 20,000 yuan annually ($1,300-$2,700), Li said.

They live in the community and use their spare time to practice their artistry in cooperative workshops and distribute their products to various regions in a unique and sustainable production model.

Likewise, rattan weaving — or plaiting — in Hanzhong is similarly rooted in Qiang heritage and tradition. For example, palm fans made by a weaving company established by inheritor Chen Liangshun have a strong online presence.

"We have shops on popular e-commerce platforms such as Taobao, Tmall and Pinduoduo," Chen said. "The products are shipped directly to customers after being made by these artisans."

On an average day, hundreds or even thousands of palm fans may be sold, said Liu Yang, an online seller for the company. 

The company receives a significant number of orders for customized products for export, which helps local people make 1 to 2 million yuan annually, Liu said.

The success of these traditional crafts not only provides additional income for Hanzhong's residents, but also contributes significantly to overall economic development.

In 2022, the city achieved a GDP of 191 billion yuan and a growth rate of 4.3 percent. Per capita disposable income for urban residents increased by 4.5 percent and increased for rural residents by 7.2 percent.