In Tancheng county, Linyi, Shandong province, known for its traditional craftsmanship, a remarkable 40 percent of its 746 villages are specialized, producing Chinese knots, erhu (a two-stringed Chinese fiddle), and hats.

Workers in Honghua town sort and package Chinese knot ornaments. [Photo/IC]

Since 2023, Tancheng county has adhered to a workshop development model, fostering clustered village development around specific industries. Local farmers are weaving a unique path toward rural vitalization with a simple red string in hand.

In Honghua town, Tancheng county, over 40 million Chinese knots are shipped worldwide annually. The town encompasses 25 villages specializing in Chinese knot production and boasts over 4,000 individual businesses.

To promote collaborative development, since 2024, 16 villages producing Chinese knots in Honghua town have unified under a single management system.

In May 2024, the town invested 6 million yuan ($810,000) in the establishment of a thread and cardboard factory, completing the full industry chain from raw material production to market sales.

As Spring Festival draws near, workers in Honghua town meticulously craft Chinese knot ornaments with delicate designs. [Photo/IC]

Tancheng county's Chinese knot products are divided into several categories: indoor decorations, car ornaments, festival items, and wedding accessories, totaling over 600 color varieties and 1,500 styles.