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In the small town of Huangwan, Haining, Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, intangible cultural heritage inheritors are bringing traditional blue calico dyeing and straw weaving to global audiences through exhibitions in Mexico and Hong Kong's international trade fairs.

The recent exhibition in Mexico highlighted the indigo aesthetics of blue calico, while the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 2025 had nearly 40 cultural products ranging from tote bags to woven trays, presenting Chinese craftsmanship to the world.

This 1,300-year-old craft, which had nearly disappeared, experienced a revival after being recognized as part of Jiaxing's cultural heritage in 2009. In Huangwan's Dalin village, master artisans like Yuan Jiting are passing down traditional techniques such as paste-resistant dyeing to younger generations.

Yuan Jiting teaches traditional techniques to students. [Photo/Tide News]

The town has incorporated the craft into its tourism offerings, establishing workshops at Dajian Mountain Scenic Area and developing cultural products including scarves and tea sets.

Straw-weaving inheritor Shi Huilin has been training local residents and students to create diverse products from wheat straw — from practical hats and baskets to fashionable accessories. His studio has become an important source of flexible employment opportunities for rural women.

Shi Huilin demonstrates straw weaving techniques. [Photo/Tide News]

Huangwan's innovative approach merges tradition with modernity. By transforming blue calico into contemporary designs, the town generates approximately 3 million yuan ($411,123) annually through e-commerce platforms. Similarly, straw weaving has embraced live-streaming sales, significantly increasing brand awareness through digital platforms.