Ancient handicraft bucks gender norms

The initial success encouraged Fu to attend more exhibitions and trade fairs nationwide to introduce the ancient craft to a bigger audience.

In 2022, Fu participated in the China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair, a cultural trade event, and presented various Li brocade products covering clothing, bags and jewelry.

His display immediately caught the attention of a company from Guangdong province, which placed a bulk order for 100 handcrafted pieces.

It proved to Fu that Li brocade could be appreciated outside Hainan.

As Fu continued to make the presence of Li brocade bigger at international events, such as the China (Hainan) International Tropical Agricultural Products Winter Trade Fair and the China International Import Expo, his product sales have reached 1 million yuan annually in recent years.

Speaking about his future, Fu says he will continue to tap into the potential of integrating tradition with entrepreneurship and show the world the beauty of Li brocade.

Efforts by male artisans like Wang and Fu, along with the local government's initiative to promote the cultural heritage across local institutes of higher learning, have inspired hundreds of young men in Hainan to join in Li brocade production and trade, breaking free from the gender norms that once confined the craft and infusing the tradition with renewed vigor, according to local authorities.

Wang is preparing to demonstrate the Li brocade craft through the local government's Douyin account in March.

He says he wants to display the art's charm and share his story to inspire more young people to join the trade.

Public recognition has made him determined to transform Li brocade into a modern cultural force.

So far, he has opened his own Li brocade studio, blending the time-honored craft with contemporary designs. His creations range from traditional costumes to accessories like earrings and bracelets with Li brocade elements.

"I have about 3,000 online fans. While this may not seem like a large number, a majority of them have placed orders, resulting in a notably high conversion rate," Wang says.

"Looking back, I made the right choice in pursuing Li brocade."