Biography

Lu Zhantang (陆占堂), male, of the Yao ethnic group, was born in 1945 in Chongge Village (冲革村), Jinping Town (锦屏镇), Qiubei County (丘北县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州). He is the representative inheritor of the Yao Indigo Dyeing Technique (瑶族蓝靛制作技艺).

Characteristics of the Indigo Dyeing Technique

Natural Dye

Yao indigo is a pure, natural plant-based dye known for its vibrant color, pleasant fragrance, and antibacterial and mothproof properties. It is primarily used in batik and general fabric dyeing. It is also favored by traditional Chinese painters as a botanical source of indigo pigment.

Complex Craftsmanship

The process of making Yao indigo is intricate and follows precise methods. Indigo plants are typically harvested around August and September when they are lush and have high juice yield and pure color. The process includes:

• Placing fresh indigo plants into a fermentation pit to soak in water until the water turns blue and releases a pleasant indigo scent. The plants are then removed using wooden rakes and sieves to filter the juice.
• Adding powdered quicklime into the pit, stirring vigorously with wooden sticks until green foam rises to the surface.
• Sealing the pit tightly to avoid sun or rain exposure.
• After two days, lime and indigo water undergo sedimentation. The waste water on top is drained, and the semi-solid indigo slurry at the bottom is transferred to a storage pool and left to dry for 3–5 days until it becomes a paste.
• The indigo paste is stored at home for future use. When needed, it is mixed with water and edible alcohol in a dyeing vat.

Inheritance and Innovation

Tradition Passed Down

Lu Zhantang began learning the indigo craft from his father at the age of 15. After five years, he became proficient, with deep experience in both cultivating and processing indigo. He selects high-quality seeds and rotates planting locations to ensure robust growth and high juice yield.

Innovative Improvements

Lu pays close attention to the proportions of lime, soaking time, and intensity of stirring. His produced indigo is smooth and fine in texture, with a vibrant, jewel-like blue hue.

Cultural Significance

The Yao Indigo Dyeing Technique is a product of the Yao people’s diligence and wisdom. As a traditional craft passed down for centuries, preserving this technique is vital for developing ethnic craftsmanship and for anthropological and ethnological studies. As a key inheritor, Lu Zhantang not only masters the art but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding this intangible cultural heritage.

Contemporary Relevance of the Yao Indigo Dyeing Technique

Cultural Preservation and Heritage

Ethnic Culture

As a traditional handmade craft passed down through generations of Yao people, the indigo dyeing technique embodies Yao history, culture, and ethnic spirit. Preserving it helps retain unique cultural memory and strengthens cultural identity and pride among the Yao people.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

As a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, the preservation of this technique enriches China’s cultural heritage. It helps promote traditional Chinese culture and offers valuable resources for anthropological and historical research.

Environmental and Sustainable Development

Eco-friendly Dye

Using purely natural indigo plants, the dyeing process is free from harmful chemicals. It is truly eco-friendly. In a society increasingly concerned with sustainability, natural indigo offers a green alternative to chemical dyes, reducing environmental pollution in textile dyeing.

Sustainability Practices

The inheritance of indigo craftsmanship aligns with sustainable development. Indigo plant cultivation brings income to local residents while enhancing environmental protection. Furthermore, it boosts cultural tourism and related industries, supporting balanced development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Arts and Creative Industries

Artistic Use

The vibrant and pleasant qualities of indigo dye make it popular in contemporary art. It is used not only in traditional Chinese painting but also in handmade crafts and decorative pieces, providing rich inspiration and materials for artists.

Cultural Creative Product Design

By integrating traditional techniques with modern design, many culturally unique and contemporary creative products have emerged. For example, designers have blended indigo-dyed textiles with modern fashion design to create stylish clothing with a traditional flair. These innovations offer more consumer choices and breathe new life into traditional culture.

Economic Development

Local Industry Growth

The preservation of indigo craftsmanship fosters the development of local cultural industries. In Qiubei County (丘北县), Yunnan, local authorities encourage artisans, support indigo cultivation in villages, and organize competitions and exhibitions to promote the craft. This also boosts tourism and handmade industries, increasing employment and income for locals.

Branding and Market Expansion

With rising interest in traditional culture and natural products, indigo-based items hold a competitive edge. Strengthening branding and marketing can broaden their reach, increase value, and contribute more to local economic growth.

Education and Research

Educational Value

The technique offers rich resources for education. Schools can integrate it into their curricula to teach students about Yao culture, fostering pride and awareness. Practical lessons can enhance students’ hands-on and creative skills.

Research Value

As a traditional craft, the technique has high research potential. Studies can reveal Yao history, lifestyle, and social changes. Scientifically, it invites exploration into the chemistry, processes, and principles behind natural dyeing, providing insights for modern textile and dye industries.

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Li Shuming  – Representative Inheritor of Yueqin-making Craft Project in Nanhua County, Chuxiong 

楚雄州南华县龙镇月琴制作技艺项目代表性传承人 – 李树明

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About The  Kunlushan Mountain

The Kunlushan Mountain is a remnant of Wuliang Mountain. It is affiliated to Kunlushan Natural Village, Ninglang Town, Ninglang Town, Ninglang County , Yunnan Province . It is located 31 kilometers north of Pu’er County, between 1410 meters and 2271 meters above sea level. The central section extends over a dozen miles from north to south, and is wide and wide. The peaks of the mountains are stacked, the ancient trees are towering, and the highest peak is 2271 meters above sea level. The Kunlushan ancient tea tree community spans Fengyang and Jiangbian two townships, with a total area of ​​10,122 mu. Among them, there are 1939 mu in the Xiulong Mountain of Ninglang Town, which is a virgin forest formed by semi-cultivated tea tree community and broad-leaved forest. Because there is thousands of acres of ancient tea gardens for thousands of years, it is known as the “tea museum” and passed down to the royal tea garden of the Qing Dynasty. The No. 3 tea tree in Kunlushan Mountain has a DBH of 2.53 meters and a tree height of about 25 meters. It is the most well-preserved and the biggest cultivated ancient tea tree discovered by the famous Taiwanese tea merchant Huang Chuanfang. It has been funded by famous actor Zhang Guoli. 10,000 yuan for lifelong adoption.
The Kunlushan Mountain is also the watershed of the Lancang River and the Red River. The  Kunlushan Mountain has attracted the attention of the world. 

Tea garden was discovered

In the area of ​​Ninglang County, Pu’er City, there is a long history of planting tea and drinking tea. The tea culture is profound and the tea resources are extremely rich. It is located in the Kunlushan Mountain of Ninglang County and Jinggu County. The mountains are high and the mountains are covered with clouds and the rain is abundant. Among the ancient tea trees, there are many ancient trees that have been preserved for many years and it is also one of the only remaining virgin forests in Pu’er. The total area of ​​the  Kunlushan Mountain ancient tea tree community is 10,122 mu. The land spans Fengyang and the two townships. The Lushan ancient tea garden is divided into four parts: east, south, west and north. There are also large-scale artificial cultivation and transitional ancient tea resources in Bianxiang and Dawn Township.

In November 2004, December 2005, and April 2006, a number of experts from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and other organizations organized three key scientific investigations on the Kunlushan Mountain tea tree community, and made an argument: “The Kunlushan Mountain cultivated tea tree has a history of at least 400 years; its semi-cultivated (transitional) tea tree has been more than 1,000 years old.” Once again, it is proved that the Kunlushan Mountain is in the center of the origin of the tea plant. This is the 1939-mu semi-cultivated (transitional) tea tree community found in the Kunlushan Mountain in 1986. The Kunlushan Mountain, which has faded out of the rivers and lakes for nearly 300 years, has re-entered people’s vision.

As Pu’er tea continues to heat up, more and more people of insight have shaken off the historical prejudice and experience and understand the Kunlushan Mountain along the ancient tea-horse road. The Kunlushan Mountain is a remnant of the Wuliang Mountain, and it is under the jurisdiction of Ninglang (formerly Pu’er) County. Between 1410 and 2271 meters above sea level, the peaks of the mountains are stacked, the ancient trees are towering, and the ancient tea tree community of Lushan is across Fengyang and the two townships, with a total area of ​​over 10,000 mu. The Kunlushan Mountain Range is the same as the ancient tea tree community in Jinggu and Zhenyuan counties. The ancient tea tree community totals more than 30,000 mu.

Allusions 

According to the “World birthplace of tea, tea are” records, Shen Nong discovered trapped Kunlushan in Pu’er, training of a wild tea. According to Shennong’s medicine in the mountains, after taste of a poisonous grass, his mouth was dry and dizzy, so when he rested against the big tree, a breeze blew and the green leaves on the tree fell. Shennong took the green leaf home and carefully observed it, found its drinking and medicinal value, and planted it on the Kunlushan Mountain, thus leaving a large piece of ancient tea garden.

According to experts’ research, the Kunlushan Royal Ancient Tea Garden has been designated by the Qing government as a royal tea garden for more than 200 years (that is, the Qing Dynasty was seven years old in 1729). At that time, Yunnan Governor E’ertai established a tribute tea factory in Ninglang Town, Pu’er Prefecture. The best spring bud mountain tai girl tea was selected in the same year, and it was made into a brick and tea paste. The Pu’er tea was become the only tribute court tea product , the Pu’er tea in Yunnan was famouse in one night and it became the new darling of the tribute court tea products.

“Pu’er tea is famous all over the world, the taste is the most drunk, and it is especially heavy in Jingshi”, and there is also a court talk about “Summer Drinking Longjing, Winter Drinking Pu’er”.
At that time, every spring, the government sent troops to the mountains to supervise the picking and production of spring tea. All the pressed teas were delivered to the capital, and as the tribute to the court, and ordinary people simply could not drink the good spring tea here, and the Kunlushan large ancient tea garden became the royal royal tea garden.

The history of the Kunlushan ancient tea has always been secret, but it was only that Yunnan produced very few tribute teas, which could not meet the needs of the palace aristocracies, and could not enter the ordinary people’s family. Every year when spring tea is picked, it is the official government to send soldiers to guard the system. It is extremely confidential and naturally and it does not appear in historical records. Therefore, this mysterious ancient tea garden has also added a mysterious color to the world.

The transitional ancient teas in the ancient tea garden are mixed with large, medium and small leaf species, and the fragrance is unique. This tea can be called  “Ya” in the three major tea areas of Yunnan. The tea is elegant, sharp, long-lasting and long. The entrance of the new tea is slightly bitter, and sweet, and then all are sweet. It is rich and thick, the throat is sweet and long-lasting, and the gas is uplifted and solid. 

What to see in Kunlushan

Ancient tea in the village

In the Kunlushan, the ancient tea tree is planted in the front and back of people’s houses. It can be said that people are in tea and tea is in people. The ancient tea tree is inhabited by 13 families in the next generation. Only 372 ancient tea trees have been found around the houses where the 13 families live. The age of the trees is about several hundred years. In the village, the villagers have adopted the protection method of adopting old trees. The villagers living near the Kunlushan ancient tea garden who have adopted several ancient tea trees, ranging from 4 to more than 20 trees. They are engaged in farming work every day. Put some of your energy into ancient tea picking and simple management. And people think that“We take care of the ancient tea trees that we have adopted, and these trees are valuable things.”

Grabbed some ancient tea picked from a hundred-year-old tea tree and placed it in a clay pot in front of the fire pond. The amber tea was in the stone pottery. Local people usually drink tea every day. A day is only a cup of tea is baked in a clay pot. After drinking it, put the leftover tea on the fire and bake it again, then continue the water. The taste of repeated brewing tea is still very strong.
It is understood that these ancient tea trees are precious and precious. Ancient tree tea, which can produce 300-400 kilograms of dried hair tea per year, is very popular in the market.

How to Get to Kunlushan

First, people need to go to Ninger County.

1. By Air

There are no airports in Ninger County. Visitors can take a plane to Simao District, Puer, then take a long-distance bus to Ninger County.

2. By Train

Pu’er Railway Station is the middle station of the Yumo Railway under construction and an important station for the Laos section of the Trans-Asian Railway. It is expected to be put into use by 2020.

3. By Long-distance Bus

There is the Passenger Station in Ninger County forpeople to get in.

4.Ninger–Kunlushan

People can take taxi and rent the car to get to the Kunlushan Mountain.

Best time to visit

It is suitable to visit Ninger County all year round. Like many other cities in Yunnan, Ninger is a place where the seasons are like spring. There is no cold, no heat, warm and humid, especially suitable for human habitation, so you can go to Ninger at any time.

Recommend Tour

When you traveling Pu’er, Ninger County is a good place to be put on your list. It can be joined in whatever your Pu’er tour or Yunnan Tour.

11 Days Yunnan Ancient Tea-Horse Road Tour with Puer and XishuangBanna Tea Culture Exploration

14 Days Southwest Yunnan Tea Culture Tour from Xishuangbanna to Puer and Lincang

Where to Stay in Ninger County

Ninger County is a county under the jurisdiction of Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, China. There are many hotels around Ninger County. Yunnan Exploration will provide the best hotels for you. The recommended hotels are as follows:

1. Ninger Qingshuiwan Vocational Hotel (宁洱清水湾度假酒店）

Add: No.2 Tuanjie Road, Ninger Town, Ninger County
Tel: 0879-3012111

2. Ninger Gold Peacock Hotel (宁洱金孔雀大酒店)

Add: No.357 Dongshan Road, Ninger County
Tel: 0879-3323111

3. Mancheng Commercial Hotel (曼城商务酒店)

Addr: Puer Ancient Town, Tianbi Road, Ninger County
Tel: 0879-3334111

4. Ninger Budget Hotel (宁洱快捷酒店）

Add: In the Intersection of Longyuan Road and Binhe Road, Ninger County
Tel: 0879-3326666

5. Ninger Tongcheng Boutique Hotel(宁洱同城精品酒店)

Add: Tourist Center in Ninger Highway, Ninger County
Tel: 0879-3086688

6. Puer Shihong Hotel (宁洱实宏宾馆)

Add: Minzu Street, Ninger County
Tel: 0879-7227366

7. Chaxiang Inn (茶香客栈）

Add: Bo.76, Dongshan Rod of Ninger County
Tel: 0879-3232939

Travel Tips 

1.There are many ethnic minorities living here, such as Lahu, Hani, Wa and Yi. Varied customs make it a colorful city. Eating habits, ceremonies, costumes and folk legends can all be a strong attraction for people who are visiting. In addition, the city is the hometown of the well known Puer Tea, and the local people have diversified ways of handling tea, such as bamboo tube tea, cold tea dish, earth-pot tea and baked tea; all of which you should try.

2.Enjoying a plateau monsoon climate at low latitude, the region is affected by the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, the main features of its weather are mildness and humidity without strong winds.

3.Special Local Products: Puer Tea, bamboo shoot, edible fungi, purple rice, mango.

Lai Qingguo is recognized as a representative inheritor of the tinware production techniques—often known as the “Bansi” technique—in Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. His work in this traditional craft exemplifies the intricate skills and artistic expression that have been passed down through generations, serving as a vital link in preserving the region’s cultural heritage.

Key Aspects and Cultural Significance

• Exquisite Craftsmanship:
  Lai Qingguo has mastered the specialized methods involved in the production of tinware using the Bansi technique. His work is characterized by detailed designs, precise workmanship, and a keen eye for aesthetics, which together produce tinware that is both functional and artistically distinctive.

• Cultural Heritage Preservation:
  As an inheritor of this traditional craft, Lai plays a crucial role in maintaining and transmitting the unique skills of tinware making to future generations. His dedication ensures that the time-honored techniques and cultural stories embedded in the craft continue to be celebrated and preserved.

• Local and Cultural Impact:
  Lai Qingguo’s contributions extend beyond mere craftsmanship. His work reinforces the cultural identity of Gejiu City and Honghe Prefecture by showcasing an art form that is integral to the region’s history. In doing so, he also promotes local tourism and supports the community by highlighting the value of traditional artisanal practices.

Through his expertise and commitment to the art of tinware making, Lai Qingguo not only preserves the ancient Bansi technique but also enriches the cultural landscape of Gejiu City. His efforts are instrumental in ensuring that this traditional craft remains a vibrant and recognized part of Honghe Prefecture’s heritage, inspiring both local pride and wider appreciation for Yunnan’s rich artisanal legacy.

Cheng Lin is recognized as a representative inheritor of the tinware making technique—specifically the Shifan hand-carving technique—in Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. His mastery of this intricate craft preserves an ancient tradition that combines metalworking with detailed hand-carving skills, reflecting a deep cultural legacy.

Key Aspects and Cultural Significance

• Exquisite Craftsmanship:
  Cheng Lin expertly applies the Shifan hand-carving technique to tinware, resulting in pieces that showcase fine details, artistic precision, and an elegant design. His work exemplifies the refined skills that have been honed and passed down through generations.

• Cultural Preservation:
  By mastering and demonstrating this traditional art form, Cheng Lin plays a crucial role in maintaining the unique heritage of Gejiu’s tinware production. His dedication ensures that the time-honored techniques and cultural narratives embedded in these crafts continue to be celebrated and transmitted to future generations.

• Local Impact:
  The preservation of this traditional craft not only enriches the cultural identity of Gejiu City and Honghe Prefecture but also contributes to local tourism and economic development. Cheng Lin’s work helps raise awareness of Yunnan’s rich artisanal heritage and inspires both local artisans and cultural enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Through his skillful artistry and commitment to traditional techniques, Cheng Lin safeguards the Shifan hand-carving method in tinware production. His work stands as a testament to the enduring value of cultural heritage in Gejiu City and serves as an inspiration for future generations to embrace and continue these traditional arts.

Li Jun is recognized as a representative inheritor of the tinware production technique, specifically the Shifan hand-carving method, in Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. His work plays a vital role in preserving this traditional craft and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Key Aspects and Cultural Significance

• Exquisite Craftsmanship:
  Li Jun has mastered the Shifan hand-carving technique applied to tinware production. His meticulous carving and attention to detail result in pieces that are not only functional but also exhibit artistic beauty and cultural symbolism.

• Cultural Preservation:
  As a representative inheritor, Li Jun is dedicated to maintaining and transmitting the traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. His work ensures that this unique art form remains vibrant and continues to reflect the historical and cultural narratives of Gejiu City.

• Local Impact:
  Through his exceptional craftsmanship, Li Jun contributes to local cultural pride and the promotion of traditional arts. His work helps to attract cultural enthusiasts and tourists, thereby supporting the regional economy and furthering community engagement with their heritage.

Li Jun’s expertise in the Shifan hand-carving technique exemplifies the enduring legacy of Gejiu’s tinware making traditions. By preserving and advancing this art form, he not only safeguards an important piece of cultural heritage but also inspires future generations to appreciate and continue the practice of traditional craftsmanship in Honghe Prefecture.

Li Liuhong – Representative Inheritor of Copper Wares-making Skill Project in Luoping County, Qujing 

曲靖市罗平县富乐镇铜器制作技艺项目代表性传承人 -李六洪

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Lugu Lake International Museum of Art of Yang Erche Namu

Yang Erche Namu International Art Museum is located in Xiaoshui Village, Luguhu Lake. It is a must for the tour around the lake. It is said to be the maiden of Yang Erche Namu. There are books written by Yang Er and national costumes of Mosuo people in the yard. There are photos of Yang Er and his family members and friends on the wall.

As the museum is on the hillside next to the Ninghu Highway, it is necessary to climb a section and many people will bypass it directly. But when you climb the summit, you will find that the view here is wide, the lake is light and the scenery is good. Behind the museum is a large compassionate sea snail hall, which is said to have been donated by the villagers of Xiaoluoshui which had been working for two years. You can also take a look.

How to get to Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake is located on the border of Yunnan and Sichuan, so travelers can visit Lugu Lake from Yunnan or from Sichuan. At present, there are three highway leading to Lugu Lake, one is from Xichang (Sichuan) to Lugu Lake for 258 kilometers, one is from Panzhihua to Lugu Lake for 220 kilometers and the third is from Lijiang to Lugu Lake for 230 kilometers.

Luguhu Airport, opended in October 2015, has limited flights from/to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan. The airport is about 25 kilometers from Lugu Lake with airport shuttle linked each other.

1. From Lijiang:
1) Transport Service Center Bus Station to Daluoshui Village:
Departure Time: 09:00, 10:00.
Ticket Price: CNY 65
Duration: around 7 hours
2) Take tourist bus arranged by local travel agencies:
Departure Time: unfixed
Ticket Price: CNY 140 to 200 for a round-trip
Duration: around 7 hours
Notice:
1). Departure time is changeable. Usually, the bus driver informs the tourists of departure time and pick-up location in advance.  
2). Most hostels help their guests to book the bus tickets. Visitors can ask the hostel owners if they provide this service. The reservation should be made one day in advance.
3). Visitors who take tourist bus might be arranged to go shopping, visit a Mosuo family, go boating or take part in a bonfire party. Undoubtedly, they need to pay extra money for these activities.

2. From Xichang, Sichuan Province: 
1). Take regular bus from Xichang Tourist Transport Center Bus Station to Lugu LakeTown (also called Zuosuo Town).
Departure Time: 08:10, 09:30
Ticket Price: CNY 95
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
2). Take regular bus from Xichang to Yanyuan, change bus to Zuosuo Town.
 

Notice:
1). Lugu lake is about 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Lugu Lake Town. After arriving in the town, visitors need to charter a car to reach the village where they plan to stay. The fare is around CNY 20 to 40.  
2). Bus schedules and ticket prices might be adjusted without prior notice.
3). Extra buses from Xichang to Lugu Lake Town will be provided during the high season (May to October).
4). Visitors are suggested to buy return bus tickets upon arrival in case the tickets are sold out quickly.

Recommended Tour with Lugu Lake

2 Days Lijiang Lugu Lake Tour and Matriarchal Society Discovery

Best Time to Visit Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake is surprising beautiful place which can be visited all year round. Flowers are blossom in different season, presenting you a charming painting scenery. The best time to visit Lugu Lake is from March to November and as for photographers, come from March to May and September to October that you will shoot brilliant pictures.

Spring: it is a land of idyllic beauty – emerald lake like a clear mirror with the surrounding peach flowers and pear flowers blossom happily, mountains reflecting in water, boats sailing quietly on the tranquil lake…
Summer: it is a summer resort – pleasant and cool weather with gentle breezes blowing, mist floating in the midair after rainy, azalea in pink and white blossom in the mountain…
Autumn: it is a fairyland as beautiful as Jiuzhaigou – the surrounded mountains turn into a red and golden world with leaves changing, the glittering lake, the gorgeous sunglow, geese chirping in the sky that you can image how beautiful the scene is.
Winter: it is a world of waterfowl – different kinds of wild ducks playing on the water.

If you interested in the grandest festival of Mosuo people, come to the lunar July 25 that you can see Mosuo people dressed in traditional festival to pay a worship to Gemu Goddess Mountain.

Luguhu Lake Accommodation

In the Lugu Lake tourist area, there are more than 400 hotels and rooms ranging from inns and guesthouses to five-star hotels. The accommodations are mainly located in Caohai village, Dazshui village, Sanjia village, Lige village and Dazui village. If you have a fixed budget, it is recommended to live in local dwellings and experience local Mosuo’s customs. Here we list some of the accommodations for your reference.

Useful Travel Tips

1. What to Pack

Lugu Lake is situated at 2690 meters high and ultraviolet ray is strong. The lowest temperature is 4 ℃ and the highest temperature is around 19 ℃ and the rainy months are from June to August. Sun-blocking scream and sunglasses are needed in four seasons. When visit in Summer, bring a light jacket and umbrella.

2. Accommodation

You are guaranteed to enjoy comfortable stay when visiting Lugu Lake. You can choose your accommodation from luxury hotels to budget but featured hostels. All the hotels and hostels are facing with Lugu Lake which means you can enjoy the lake scenery on the deck or in your room.

3. Food & Dining

Muosuo people offers you good meal and fine wine. You can try Preserved Pork, Roast Fish and Suluma Wine (low alcohol, taste sour and sweet with faint scent).

4.Be cautious about the “visiting marriage”

Know the rules and customs about “visiting marriage” and think again when someone shows his affection to you.

Learning and Inheritance

Hemeifen (何美芬), a woman of the Zhuang ethnic group, was born in 1951 in Xiaoxilong Village (小溪笼村), Mubai Village Committee (木柏村委会), Pingzhai Township (平寨乡), Qiubei County (丘北县), Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州). She is the provincial-level representative inheritor of the Huocao Weaving Craft (火草纺织技艺) project.

At the age of 10, Hemeifen learned to pick Huocao leaves and spin threads under the guidance of Nong Tingfen (侬庭芬). By the age of 15, she had mastered the techniques of Huocao weaving. At 20, she began innovating on the traditional Huocao cloth, using plant dyes derived from dyed rice to color the Huocao threads in red, yellow, purple, blue, green, and other hues. She arranged the colored threads in specific sequences to weave continuous patterns such as triangle flowers, pentagon flowers, octagon flowers, and nine-needle flowers. Her Huocao quilts are known for their rich colors, exquisite compositions, dynamic patterns, and high practical and aesthetic value.

Inheritance and Innovation

Currently, Zhang Xiaolan (张晓兰), Zhang Diwai (张迪歪), and He Lanfen (何兰芬) have apprenticed under Hemeifen to learn Huocao cloth making. Hemeifen plays an essential role in the inheritance, innovation, and development of Zhuang Huocao weaving skills and is widely recognized locally as a master of “Huocao” weaving. Her daughter-in-law, a teacher in the town, also integrates the teaching of Huocao weaving techniques into the school curriculum, bringing this traditional craft into campuses and making it a part of the ethnic cultural confidence.

Cultural Significance

The Huocao Weaving Craft (火草纺织技艺) is an important carrier of traditional Zhuang culture in Qiubei County (丘北县), showcasing the wisdom of Zhuang ancestors. In 2009, the Zhuang Huocao weaving tradition of Qiubei County was included in the second batch of Yunnan Province’s provincial-level intangible cultural heritage list.

1. Cultural Inheritance and Historical Witness

The Huocao Weaving Craft carries the history and culture of ethnic minorities and represents an important creation and invention in the textile technology of Southwest China’s ethnic groups. It reflects the self-sufficiency and ingenuity of groups such as the Yi and Zhuang peoples. With over 500 years of history, this craft remains a vital vehicle of Yi and Zhuang cultures.

2. Ethnic Identity and Recognition

Mastery of the Huocao Weaving Craft has long been considered a measure of a woman’s capability. Traditionally, when marrying, a woman must bring a piece of homespun cloth to her new family. This practice symbolizes not only technical skill but also ethnic identity and cultural pride, enhancing ethnic cohesion and a sense of belonging.

3. Cultural Diversity and Uniqueness

The Huocao Weaving Craft showcases the unique cultural characteristics and aesthetic values of minority groups. Through this skill, ethnic communities produce culturally distinctive garments, quilts, and other items, enriching the diversity of their cultural expressions.

4. Integration of Economy and Culture

Beyond being a form of cultural heritage, the Huocao Weaving Craft also contributes to local economic development. By creating ethnic-themed products such as tea mats, coasters, and traditional clothing, the craft brings economic benefits to local communities while enhancing the brand value of ethnic culture.

5. Cultural Innovation and Sustainable Development

In the new era, the Huocao Weaving Craft continues to innovate by blending traditional skills with modern design concepts, creating fashionable and culturally rich products. This innovation revitalizes the ancient craft and provides new pathways for the inheritance and development of ethnic culture in contemporary society.

6. Education and Transmission

Through a “master-apprentice” model and regular training workshops, the Huocao Weaving Craft is being passed down to younger generations. This approach not only preserves traditional techniques but also cultivates new inheritors, ensuring the future continuation of ethnic culture.

The Huocao Weaving Craft is not only an essential part of minority cultures but also a critical carrier for the transmission and innovation of ethnic traditions. It plays an irreplaceable role in protecting and promoting the cultural heritage of ethnic groups.

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The Unique Craft of Huocao Textile

Commitment to Heritage Preservation

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Lou Zongpei – Representative Inheritor of Achang Husa Sword-making Craft Project in Longchuan County, Dehong 

德宏州陇川县户撒乡阿昌族户撒刀锻制技艺项目代表性传承人- 娄宗培

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Profile of Yang Guilian

Yang Guilian(杨桂莲), female, Naxi ethnicity, was born in 1966 in Shuijia Village Group (水甲村民小组), Baidi Village (白地村), Sanba Township (三坝乡), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). She is the representative inheritor of Naxi traditional hemp weaving techniques.

Inheritance Background

Yang Guilian’s grandmother Wen Ji and mother Yang Shifa were both renowned hemp weaving experts in their village. Immersed in this family tradition, Yang began learning the craft at age 11 from her mother, gradually mastering the complete process from hemp preparation to final weaving.

Naxi Traditional Hemp Weaving Techniques

Developed during the Tang and Song dynasties as the Naxi people transitioned from semi-nomadic to agricultural lifestyles, these techniques are primarily preserved in Sanba Township (三坝乡). The 14-step process includes:

1. Hemp drying
2. Retting
3. Soaking
4. Fiber separation
5. Spinning preparation
6. Secondary soaking
7. Yarn spinning
8. Netting
9. Boiling
10. Cleaning
11. Final soaking
12. Moistening
13. Winding
14. Weaving

Hemp planting occurs in April and harvesting in August by the lunar calendar. The finished fabric, called “Pei” (培), is uniquely tailored into distinctive Naxi clothing.

Preservation and Innovation

While maintaining traditional methods, Yang has innovated by incorporating materials like wool and cotton thread using the same techniques. Her exquisite craftsmanship attracts both local admirers and young learners.

Protection and Inheritance

Recognized as:

• Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage (2009)
• Provincial-Level Inheritor (April 2010 by Yunnan Department of Culture)

Yang actively trains apprentices, ensuring this ancient craft’s continuity. Her contributions extend beyond technical mastery to significant cultural preservation efforts.

For Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13111-3127.html

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