Reviving a legacy: Yangxin's carpet weaving finds new life

Once a traditional rural craft, the handwoven carpet weaving technique of Yangxin county in Binzhou city, Shandong province, is experiencing a vibrant revival. Blending cultural heritage with modern innovation, the craft has been revitalized through dedicated preservation efforts and has become a symbol of both artistic tradition and rural revitalization.

Known for its intricate process that mixes painting, carving, weaving, embroidery and dyeing, the Yangxin handmade carpet weaving technique involves three major stages: preparation, weaving and refinement. Its designs feature traditional Chinese floral motifs and interlaced branch patterns, giving each piece strong decorative appeal. The technique was listed as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage item in 2021.

In 2022, Yangxin Ruixin Group Co Ltd established the Yangxin Carpet Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop, drawing on this rich heritage. The workshop focuses on preserving, documenting and promoting the weaving tradition.

Led by Huang Chunsheng, a representative inheritor of the Yangxin carpet weaving craft, the workshop trains workers in techniques such as hand-spinning, drawing, weaving and trimming. To expand access to employment, it has set up 12 branch workshops across the county, enabling local residents to work close to home. So far, the initiative has created jobs for about 6,000 people.