Traditional Zhuang brocade regains fresh vitality today

Against the natural backdrop of cascading waterfalls and misty green valleys in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, an open-air fashion show brings Zhuang brocade, a 2,000-year-old Chinese intangible cultural heritage, into the present.

Forty sets of modern garments embedded with classic Zhuang woven patterns debuted on the mountain runway, merging ancient ethnic craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. This groundbreaking cultural showcase was mainly created by Li Cunling, 59, a national-level inheritor of the Zhuang brocade weaving craft and director of the Zhuang Brocade Factory in Jingxi city.

As one of China's four traditional brocades, Zhuang brocade is the artistic treasure of the Zhuang ethnic group. Distinguished by bold red, yellow, blue and green hues, symbolic totems of frogs, eight-pointed blossoms and diamond geometric motifs, it was once woven into bedcovers, baby carriers and garments for everyday use by Zhuang families. In 2006, this weaving technique was inscribed on China's first national intangible cultural heritage list.

With over 30 years of dedication, Li has upheld Jingxi's brocade inheritance while driving innovative upgrades, propelling this time-honored Chinese craft onto global fashion and cultural markets.

"Many areas in Guangxi produce Zhuang brocade, but only Jingxi maintains a continuous inheritance spanning seven decades," Li said. "Our survival lies in respecting tradition while keeping pace with the times."

Promoted by Li, Jingxi's Zhuang brocade has become a shining cultural ambassador in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. Its refined handwoven products are exported to dozens of countries and regions. Moving beyond old-fashioned thick bedcovers that once limited the market potential, Li has developed lightweight, modern collections including brocade handbags, silk scarves, wall decorations and art jewelry. These creations preserve authentic handwoven textures and symbolic Zhuang totems while catering to international tastes, balancing practical daily use and artistic collection value.