Handicraft Economy Booms Rapidly in China
Taiyuan (ANTARA) - In an ancient courtyard in Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province in northern China, rich in historical relics, Cui Yafei, a tourist born in the 2000s, watched a plain white silk scarf transform into a bright green after being immersed in a dyeing vat for ten minutes, then turn indigo in mere moments upon exposure to the air.
“Here, everyone is a designer. Each piece is a unique memory woven between us and the traditional natural dyeing techniques,” said Cui.
For her, this hands-on practice is far more satisfying than simply taking “check-in” photos at popular landmarks.
This “magic” is part of the traditional natural dyeing technique, a city-level intangible cultural heritage project in Xinzhou. The indigo dye is extracted from the leaves of the herbal plant Isatis root, a material highly revered by Zhao Hui, a local inheritor of the technique.
“If cared for properly, this dye material can last longer than I will,” said Zhao, adding that his workshop in the ancient city of Xinzhou now offers more than 100 different colour variations, attracting an increasing number of young visitors.
The rising “handmade economy” signals a shift in consumption trends in China, where travellers increasingly seek cultural experiences and emotional value rather than just purchasing goods.
Xinzhou, formerly known as “Xiurong” and with a history dating back to the late Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD), has now transformed into a living folklore museum that combines the protection of cultural heritage with high-quality tourism development.
Just a few steps from the dyeing workshop, another group of tourists was busy kneading dough in a traditional shop making “huamo” (steamed buns with intricate floral decorations). Under the guidance of Gao Juan, a district-level inheritor of the local huamo-making technique, a lifelike fish-shaped huamo formed in seconds.
“In addition to traditional shapes, we now offer experiences in making cartoon-style huamo for tourists,” said Gao, adding that her business has significantly benefited from the heritage-plus-experience model.
Local government support plays a crucial role in this revival. To date, 30 creative cultural shops have opened on a dedicated street in the old city of Xinzhou, including 12 intangible cultural heritage projects.
This trend is also felt across China. In Jingdezhen, Jiangxi Province in eastern China, young people queue to try pottery making on a potter’s wheel; in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, crowds gather to create unique lacquer fans using mineral pigments; and in various tea workshops in eastern Fujian Province, visitors learn the thousand-year-old art of tea making from expert artisans.
Experts believe this shift reflects profound changes in consumer demand.
“Consumers are no longer satisfied with passive reception; they are now more willing to pay for unique emotional value, social experiences, and memories from the process,” said Yan Chun, a folklore academic and associate professor at Shanxi Normal University.
The resurgence of the “handmade economy” has brought ancient traditions out of narrow alleys and introduced them to the public, thereby invigorating new consumption momentum, added Yan.