Qingtian handmade soap. [Photo/WeChat account: qingtianfabu]

Camellia oil handmade soap from Qingtian county in Lishui, Zhejiang province, known for its natural quality and unique cultural appeal, has won favor among overseas Chinese.

Austrian Chinese Yu Yuefeng visited a soap workshop, learned about its craftsmanship and cultural significance, and ordered soaps as souvenirs. She plans to promote them via her international networks, highlighting their appeal for cultural shops.

Jizhai township in Qingtian has utilized its local resources to build a full camellia oil industry chain, establishing the "Qingtian Handmade Soap" brand.

By adopting advanced production techniques, collaborating with university design resources, and integrating local elements like coffee and stone carving, they have diversified products and better quality.

Training systems and sales channels have also been upgraded, transforming camellia oil from just an edible product into a cultural and creative item.

Ying Tong, an influencer who focuses on sharing local heritage, has been a key driver in exporting the soap. She describes it as practical, portable, and rich in storytelling and eco-friendliness. According to Ying, these products are already on sale at a convenience store in Klagenfurt, Austria.

This model of local production, cultural empowerment, and overseas sales has boosted rural incomes and cultural outreach. The township will keep improving craftsmanship and expanding markets to support rural vitalization.