Zhongjiang Bamboo Weaving

Zhongjiang Bamboo Weaving

　　Zhongjiang County is abundant in Cizhu bamboo, which is planted everywhere—in front of and behind farmhouses, on barren hills and wild mountains—staying lush and green all year round.

The Cizhu bamboo is split into bamboo strips and threads to weave mats, sieves, baskets, crates, hampers, fans, door curtains, and more. It is a handicraft side business commonly undertaken by local farmers. There is a large community of skilled artisans among them. Notably, the bamboo fans from Taihe, flower winnowing baskets from Yuelai, door curtains from Chaozhong, and Beijing-style baskets from Tongji are among the finest, all crafted with considerable finesse. The bamboo strips are as fine as silk and as thin as paper, allowing for the weaving of various decorative patterns—whether floral, featuring birds and insects, or inscribed with poetry. Some items are woven first and then adorned with poems or paintings. Whether plain or vibrant, the color schemes are harmonious, appealing to both refined and popular tastes, making them highly favored. Bamboo-woven products also make excellent gifts.