Reeds, after being handcrafted through a dozen processes, including reed 
casting, peeling, reed rolling, strip knitting, and edge trimming, are 
transformed into eco-friendly, elegant and functional craft items, such as 
flower baskets, storage boxes and woven bags.

Xu Zunxia, an inheritor of the cultural heritage of reed craft, was recently 
leading a crew of skilled craftspeople at a reed product factory in Guangrao 
County, Dongying City, Shandong Province. They were working on a shipment of 
storage baskets for export to Africa. "The 20,000 items are worth a total of 
RMB600,000, representing a profit of about RMB150,000, after the costs for 
materials, manpower and extras are accounted for," said Xu.

Thanks to abundant reed resources, the town of Damatou in Guangrao County has, 
since ancient times, been a hub for the making of reed mats and other reed 
products. The reed industry is an important source of income for the local 
people. To aid and encourage the industrialization of reed products, last year 
the local government garnered opinions on the development and protection of 
reed products, according to the Information Office of Guangrao County People's 
Government. Since then, they have been working with the Shandong Light Industry 
Association to promote the restructuring and expansion of the industry from the 
production of conventional reed mats to encompass daily necessities and reed 
handicrafts. They are also focusing on the development of markets, both locally 
and overseas. To date, there are almost 100 categories of reed products, and 
nearly 1,000 specialist craft workers making reed products, with 1.2 million 
pieces manufactured annually. The products are exported to more than 20 
countries and regions across Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia.

Source: Information Office of Guangrao County People's Government

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   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=433969

   Caption: Xu Zunxia, an inheritor of the cultural heritage of reed crafts, 
working with others on reed products

   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=433971

   Caption: The finished reed baskets