Lan Xiaoyan presents handmade sachets inspired by the lotuses in Wuyi county, Jinhua. [Photo/jinhua.com.cn]
Born in Liucheng She ethnic town in Wuyi county, Jinhua, Zhejiang province, Lan Xiaoyan has transformed her fascination with She culture into a mission to preserve and modernize the cultural heritage.
Returning to Liucheng in 2014 after years away, she sought to answer one question: How visitors could take home tangible memories of She culture beyond the scenic views.
Her journey began by crafting sachets in the shape of xuanlian — the special lotus of Wuyi — and integrating patterns of She ethnic costumes into the design.
After meeting with success, she began to make hand-stitched She ethnic blessing dolls — each adorned with authentic attire, which received wide praise. Later, she launched a new series of dolls wearing the costumes of Jinhua's Wuju Opera, blending classic opera elements with contemporary charm.
Lan shares the process of making the handicrafts through social media and has received much attention, which has also brought her more orders. Now her products have expanded to include hairpins, round fans, and fridge magnets.
Beyond commerce, Lan bridges tradition and youth through lectures and workshops on traditional She ribbon weaving, dancing, and sachet making. Through them, students learn the techniques and also understand the cultural and historical value behind them.
As an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage — She ethnic dances, she co-founded a troupe and created a series of programs. The troupe has been invited to cities like Hangzhou and Xiamen, bringing the heritage to a broader stage.
Having experience in hosting the traditional wedding ceremony of the She ethnic group, Lan realized that the custom could be transformed into a cultural experience. Therefore, she launched an immersive wedding performance where visitors play the roles of bride, groom, or members of the wedding procession.
With innovation and devotion, Lan tirelessly weaves the once-silent threads of She culture into the tapestry of modern life.
