Chinese farmer's violin workshop attracts global attention

In the leafy rural village of Juye county – located in East China's Shandong province – farmer Li Wenwei has gained recognition as a skilled luthier, or a creator of handcrafted violins.

From the age of 16, Li began to learn the craft of violin making. Over the course of 20 years, he honed his skills and developed a discerning ear for sound quality – able to distinguish between good and bad violins solely based on their individual voice.

Li Wenwei works meticulously and tirelessly on fashioning a violin. [Photo by Xiao Shouxiang for chinadaily.com.cn]

In 2015, Li and his friend Yang Deshun returned home from Tianjin city in North China to start a business from scratch. Lacking a workshop, they found a few old houses in the village and without tools, they designed their own and enlisted someone to fabricate them.

Li and Yang take great care in selecting materials for their violins, ensuring they only use the finest pieces of wood. They've even incorporated traditional Chinese medicine and alcohol into their innovative varnishing process to enhance the instrument's quality.

The violin-making process involves over a hundred intricate steps, requiring extensive time and effort. However, their dedication and expertise have paid off, as their instruments have gained popularity both locally and internationally.

Their violins have drawn attention in various countries – including Japan, South Korea and the United States, as well as in Europe. (Edited by Jin Yongxue)