Guizhou's Sui horsetail embroidery threads path to prosperity

Wei shares her design philosophies and embroidery techniques with local women. [Photo/ddcpc website]

Horsetail embroidery of the Sui ethnic group is a national intangible cultural heritage that wraps horsetail hair tightly in silk threads. However, because the traditional process is very time-consuming and limited to practical, regionally specific items like baby carriers and children's hats, its market appeal has been restricted, making it difficult to promote beyond local villages.

Wei Taohua has been practicing the craft since childhood in Ban'gao village, Sandu Sui autonomous county, Southwest China's Guizhou province, innovating while preserving traditional masterpieces and becoming a renowned embroidery master.

Faced with eager learners and local women seeking to boost their incomes, Wei shares her design philosophies and embroidery techniques with anyone willing to learn, building a platform that helps local women find employment and start businesses.

In August 2010, Wei established her Sandu Taohua Horsetail Embroidery Artware company, which develops cultural and creative products tailored to the modern market, including horsetail embroidery backpacks, wall hangings, ties, and car ornaments.

As Sandu continues to ramp up its support for intangible cultural heritage projects, horsetail embroidery has entered a golden age of unprecedented opportunity, stepping onto the world stage to showcase the depth of Chinese heritage. These exquisite pieces even captured the attention of international visitors at an exhibition and sales fair in Italy, turning this ancient craft into a highly sought-after cultural trend.