Master embroider stitches her way to success

Master craftswoman Bian Chengfei – an inheritor of hand embroidery in Feixian county in Linyi city in East China's Shandong province – is exciting the world of fashion while preserving the traditions of her intangible cultural heritage.

Through her meticulous techniques and patient attention to detail, she has created exquisite pieces of hand embroidery that tell stories through each stitch.

A bright and breezy array of Bian Chengfei's embroidery work. [Photo by Bian Chengfei for chinadaily.com.cn]

Bian's love for hand embroidery began in her childhood. She has devoted over 20 years to perfecting her craft and has gone to great lengths to learn the traditional techniques from the few remaining village elders.

In March 2022, she established the Bian Chengfei Intangible Cultural Heritage Studio in Feixian county, which has become a top brand for the local embroidery industry.

Bian's studio has opened six branches in surrounding counties and cities, providing employment for over 2,500 people, including left-behind women, the elderly and the disabled.

The studio has trained a total of 24,000 people, with their annual per capita income increasing by an average 20,000 yuan ($2,750.47).

Bian Chengfei proudly shows some of her work. [Photo by Bian Chengfei for chinadaily.com.cn]

Bian's dedication to passing on the art of Feixian hand embroidery is unwavering. She said that she would continue to spread awareness and appreciation for this traditional skill and bring happiness and joy to more people. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)