"Water is clear, mountains are green, and the scenery is beautiful; clouds are light, the wind is gentle, and the sky feels refreshing." On July 19, 2010, a morning and evening social practice group from the Science and Innovation Center of Shanghai Jiaotong University visited Linyi County, Linyi City, known as the "Capital of Liubian," to explore and study the development of this traditional folk craft—Liubian.
"Several willows weave dreams with skillful hands."
Liubian, a traditional handicraft in Linyi, dates back over 1,400 years to the early Tang Dynasty. After centuries of evolution, it has matured into a complete industrial chain. Linyi Liubian has won prestigious awards such as the “Golden Dragon Ascension Award for Outstanding Products†by the State Ministry of Light Industry and the “Hundred Flowers Award for Arts and Crafts†at the provincial level in Shandong.
The practice group traveled to Baiji Town, the "Home of White Willows," in Linyi County. Along the way, they saw vast fields of tamarisk trees swaying gently in the breeze, as if welcoming them. They visited the Wicker Trading Market in southeastern Shandong and met local farmers who were preparing wicker products. The farmers shared their experiences and explained how Liubian plays a vital role in their daily lives. One farmer mentioned that every household in the village grows tamarisk and weaves Liubian products, which serve as a major source of income. The semi-finished products are then collected by the village factory, processed further, and sold nationwide.
Innovation is key to the survival and growth of traditional crafts. Liubian is not only a cultural heritage but also a symbol of low-carbon living. The group then visited Yushu Liubian Factory in Xiyushu Village. Liu Zichao, the factory director, had an in-depth conversation with the students and technical staff. He shared insights into the factory’s development and the current status of Liubian in the region. He also guided the team through the sample showroom and warehouse, where thousands of samples showcased the variety of wicker products available.
Liu explained that the factory relies on local farmers for raw material cultivation and weaving. Once the materials are collected, the factory handles the deep processing, including dyeing and packaging. This model turns the factory into a hub that drives several surrounding villages. Through trade fairs, online platforms, and other channels, the factory connects directly with customers, creating a supply chain that links "willow plants to customers." Notably, Yushu Liubian Factory has embraced digital transformation, building its own website and using platforms like Taobao to expand its reach and grow its business.
"Our website is doing very well!" Liu said confidently.
In addition, the factory actively promotes innovation by focusing on new product design and manufacturing. It has dedicated teams that create samples in various styles to meet diverse customer needs and expand the market for Liubian crafts. The showroom was filled with a wide range of products, from complete sets of wicker furniture to various handicrafts and production equipment.
During the discussion, Liu also shared some challenges the industry faces. Funding remains a major issue, as the company struggles to secure enough capital to take on large orders. Additionally, the industry lacks standardization, which weakens bargaining power and hinders sustainable growth.
Despite these challenges, Liubian is gaining popularity in an era that emphasizes environmental protection. As people become more conscious of sustainability, natural crafts like Liubian are becoming increasingly sought after. With growing demand for eco-friendly products, Liubian is poised to become a favorite among environmentally aware consumers.
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