Tongxiang of Zhejiang province, a place abundant in cotton, has been famous for indigo print fabric since the Qing dynasty (1889–1912). Indigo print cloth produced in the area was so renowned that dye houses could be seen in every market town near the province’s Hangjiahu Plains.

Using natural indigo dyes applying finely-honed techniques, Tongxiang indigo print fabric often flaunts beautiful blue and white patterns, distinctive of Jiangnan, south of the Yangtze River.

In 1979, Tongxiang indigo print fabric was traded with the outside world for the first time, quickly getting the thumbs-up from international customers.

In recent years, patterns of famous paintings such as the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival and A Hundred Children, have been featured on the fabric, adding extra ornamental value.

The techniques of Tongxiang Indigo Print Fabric have been well preserved due to its popularity in both the domestic and overseas markets. In 2014, the method was included on China’s national intangible cultural heritage list.