Lan Xiaoyan (right), a representative inheritor of the She ethnic ribbon weaving in Wuyi, works on one of her creations. [Photo/Tide News]

In Tantou village, Wuyi county, Jinhua, Zhejiang province, the traditional ribbon weaving of the She ethnic group is being revitalized with contemporary flair. This art, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Jinhua, is weaving itself into the fabric of modern daily life.

The ribbons of the She ethnic group serve as decorative clothing accessories, functional belts, and even as tokens of love and blessings among the youth.

The weaving technique consists of three stages: winding threads, tizong (lifting the vertical threads to allow the horizontal threads to interweave, thereby creating the pattern), and weaving.

The process involves fixing one end of the threads to a pillar, while the other is tied to the weaver's waist. This simple setup represents generations of accumulated wisdom. Traditionally, women would weave outdoors, using trees to tie their threads, a method still practiced today by Lan Xiaoyan, a representative inheritor of this craft.

The difficulty increases when creating intricate symbols and patterns, often inspired by the She ethnic language or nature, requiring the use of bamboo needles to carefully select each thread. One misplaced stitch can disrupt the entire design.

Lan said that in the past, their women often gathered together, singing while weaving ribbons. Although communal weaving gatherings may have faded, the practice itself is evolving.

Today, these vibrant ribbons have been transformed into modern accessories like earrings, sachets, and other decorative items, marrying traditional symbols with contemporary aesthetics.