Shiqiao Miao Village
Overview
Shiqiao Miao Village of Danzhai County, Guizhou is one of the villages where villagers continue to earn their living by producing and selling hand-made papers and products. Today, ancient way of hand-made paper has been replaced by modern production and process. The tradition of hand-made paper is still kept in Shiqiao. It is said that the paper making in Shiqiao Miao Village has a history of over 1,000 years. By using Han people’s experience, the local Miao people use high-quality spring water, tree roots and bark to make papers.
However, with modern technology, changing demand and behavior of consumers, the number of villagers who can survive by keeping this tradition has declined from year to year, to left around 40 families only. Their craft of paper making is regarded as a “live fossil”. Guizhou Tourism Administration aims to preserve this tradition while at the same time promoting this unique culture to the world. The recipient of a PATA Foundation grant in 2006 aims to preserve a craft that locals have been practicing since about 100 BC. Construction of a display centre for the ancient craft of papermaking is nearly complete. A papermaking workshop is already in use.
Come to Shiqiao, you’ll have a chance to witness how they make papers. Today you can see almost every village make different types of paper for decoration house, lantern.
Features
Have a close look at an old way of making paper Learn the secret of Miao’s color paper by using different plants
