Jingning She autonomous county in Lishui, Zhejiang province celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024, and has been fostering ethnic unity, cultural prosperity, and ecological harmony over the years, with each person and story contributing to the shared dream of common prosperity.

The traditional ribbon weaving skill of the She ethnic group in Jingning She autonomous county is a national intangible cultural heritage item. Lan Yanlan, an official inheritor of these weaving skills, has dedicated nearly 40 years to the craft.

Lan Yanlan teaches a young woman to weave a ribbon. [Photo/Tide News]

As the traditional handicraft fabric of the She ethnic group, the ribbon is a "living fossil" of She culture, as well as an emblem for making pledges of love, marriage ceremonies and blessings for a good life among the She people, according to Lan.

These ribbons were used as waistbands or baby carriers for the She people in daily life, and with innovative colors and materials, they can now be transformed into fashionable scarves, making them perfect gifts for friends, explained Lan.

"I learned the weaving techniques from my grandmother when I was six or seven. Over ten thousand people have visited my studio to experience the weaving process firsthand. My ribbons are now sold in the United States, Germany, and several other countries," said Lan.