Rongchang Summer Cloth

Rongchang Summer Cloth

Rongchang Summer Cloth is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Commonly known as linen. The production of summer cloth in Rongchang has a long history. As early as the Han Dynasty, there are records of "Shu cloth," with its premium quality becoming tribute to the imperial court during the Tang Dynasty. Summer cloth is woven from ramie fibers through multiple manual processes. Depending on different requirements, it can be produced as coarse cloth, fine cloth, and leno weave, making it widely applicable. In particular, bleached fine cloth boasts smooth texture, glossy sheen, quick drying after washing, distinct creases after ironing, and durability; garments made from it are elegant and tasteful, highly favored by people. During the Republican era, the county had over 5,000 summer cloth looms, with an annual production and sales volume of 700,000 pieces, most of which were exported to Europe, America, Southeast Asia, and other countries. In the early years of the Republic, Zhou Yihé once wove a pair of summer cloths with 3,600 warp threads on a 0.75-meter-wide fabric, which, after bleaching and processing, exemplified the saying “Liangxi River water-washed summer cloth is the best under heaven.” In recent years, the Party and government have placed great emphasis on the production of summer cloth in Rongchang, with an annual output of 800,000 pieces and a sales revenue of 120 million yuan, exported to Europe, America, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, making it a key export-earning pillar of the region. (Rongchang)