Traditional willow weaving thrives on global markets in Luozhuang, Linyi

Willow weaving, a time-honored intangible cultural heritage craft in Luozhuang District of Linyi with a history dating back to the Tang and Song dynasties, has evolved from a rural sideline into a thriving export-oriented industry. Local craftspeople turn ordinary willow twigs into diversified products such as storage baskets, picnic utensils, pet supplies and art decorations, which are sold to more than 20 countries and regions across Europe, America, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Facing fierce homogeneous competition and sluggish offline orders over a decade ago, local leading enterprise Jiayu Crafts shifted its development strategy and embraced cross-border e-commerce. After years of exploration, the company secured solid overseas client resources. Its annual output value exceeded 70 million yuan in 2024. Boasting 22 core invention patents and three international certifications including BSCI, the firm ships five containers of products on average every day, leading the local willow weaving export sector. Focusing on market demands, the enterprise keeps optimizing product design to launch customized and scenario-based items, successfully moving beyond low-end commodity positioning. The booming industry creates stable jobs for local villagers, enabling them to earn a decent living without leaving their hometowns. It also showcased remarkable performance at the 139th Canton Fair, securing new orders worth 200,000 US dollars and expanding global market presence.

Rooted in traditional craftsmanship and driven by innovation and foreign trade expansion, Luozhuang's willow weaving industry has set a vivid example for the transformation of traditional rural handicrafts. Linyi will continue to tap the value of intangible cultural heritage, accelerate the digital, branded and international upgrading of featured industries, and help more local handmade products go global to fuel rural revitalization and foreign trade growth.

Editor：韩蒙蒙