Tancheng Willow

Tancheng Willow

Tancheng willow is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Tancheng Willow

　　Willow, commonly known as white willow twigs or simply "twigs," is characterized by its smooth, bright white color that reflects light, along with its flexibility, toughness, and durability. Tancheng County is renowned as the "Hometown of White Willow." The cultivation of white willow and the production of woven handicrafts are mainly concentrated in towns along the Yi and Shu rivers, such as Lizhuang, Huangshan, Shadun, Miaoshan, and Gaofengtou. Local farmers have a long-standing tradition of growing white willow. According to folklore from Zhubai Village in Shadun Township and Liuhang Village in Huangshan Town, their history of planting and weaving willow dates back over a thousand years. Traditional willow-woven products mainly include items essential for daily farm life, such as winnowing baskets, sewing baskets, and storage crates. The willow is grown, processed, and sold locally.

　　Since 1972, when the Tancheng County Arts and Crafts General Factory began producing willow-woven handicrafts,

　　the factory innovated boldly on the basis of traditional techniques and developed new products. That same year, white willow-woven products entered the international market and enjoyed lasting popularity. In 1986, the output value reached 5.8 million yuan, ranking first in the national industry. In 1988, responding to market demand,

　　a second round of innovation and reform was carried out for willow products. The resulting willow handicrafts featured exquisite craftsmanship,

　　novel designs, elegant shapes, harmonious colors, and an attractive appearance, combining both practicality and ornamental value—earning high praise from merchants.

　　Export products included baskets, fruit trays, laundry hampers, baby baskets, vegetable washing baskets, hanging flower baskets, dog houses, and more. These were produced through an integrated process of weaving, painting,

　　drying, and packaging.

　　By 2001, the county’s willow-woven handicrafts had expanded to 16 major series with over 500 varieties, achieving an annual total social output value of more than 100 million yuan. Tancheng’s willow-woven products became widely recognized for their high quality, innovative designs, elegant shapes,

　　and exquisite craftsmanship, earning an outstanding reputation in the international market.

　　The products have been successfully exported to over 30 countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong.

　　Currently, the county cultivates over 50,000 acres of white willow, yielding nearly 30 million jin (approximately 15,000 tons) of white willow twigs annually,

　　laying a solid foundation for agricultural foreign exchange earnings and further development of the willow-woven handicraft industry. Tancheng County has become a nationally important export production base for willow-woven handicrafts. In March 1999, it was officially named the "Hometown of Chinese Willow" by the Ministry of Agriculture of China.