Villagers engage in the traditional crafting of plowshares in Yongba village, Kangxian county, Longnan, Gansu province, on Dec 13, 2024. [Photo provided to gogansu.com]

Last week, people in Yongba village, Kangxian county, Longnan, Gansu province, were seen crafting plowshares using traditional techniques.

The casting and use of plowshares are significant symbols of China's agricultural modernization. However, with the continuous advancement of technology and the widespread adoption of modern farming machinery, traditional handmade plowshares have gradually disappeared from the market. Despite this, in Yongba village, every year, a small number of artisans are still preserving the traditional craft of plowshare casting.

This ancient craft has been passed down for centuries in the region. The plowshares produced here are not only a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional craftsmanship but they're also in demand in markets across Dingxi, Linxia in Gansu province, and even Inner Mongolia.