Woodcraft studio helps NETDA youth unwind

Some young people in Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area are trying their hand at woodworking at Zemu, a local studio, to ease anxiety and find calm.

Customers at Zemu use planes, files, and sandpaper to shape wood into chopsticks, hairpins and other items. The studio also has bookmarks, cutting boards, jewelry boxes, and aromatherapy gift sets on display.

A participant uses a file to smooth a strip of wood at Zemu in NETDA. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

"Life moves fast, so it's really relaxing to slow down and make something with your own hands," said Fang Zisheng, a student at Jiangsu Shipping College. He added that he would like to bring friends along next time.

Bao Runze, who owns Zemu, grew up in a family of carpenters but initially did not pursue woodworking. After a setback with her Beijing startup in 2023, a chance visit to a woodworking shop, where she made a wooden spoon, helped her overcome anxiety and rediscover the appeal of traditional woodworking. She later trained in the craft and, with her family's support, returned to Nantong to open the studio.

The studio serves as a practice base for Jiangsu Shipping College and offers woodworking classes. Drawing on her family's redwood furniture business, Bao also built an online platform offering custom woodcraft.