E-commerce gives new life to Chinese brocade

Deep in the remote, mountainous region of Western Hunan Province lives one of the largest minority groups in China. They are called "Tujia," which literally means the "Soil Family."

The Tujia people are good at brocade weaving. The Tujia brocade is known with the name of “Xilankapu”.

Xilankapu is woven with blue, black, red, and white threads going lengthwise and, silk, cotton, and wool of many kinds of colors going across. It has an energetic structure, bright and beautiful colors, and unique patterns, showing significant artistry. It is the quintessence of Tujia folk art. In 2006 it was listed in the state-level intangible cultural heritage.

Nowadays, thousands pieces of Xilankapu have been sold all over the world every year through e-commerce and modern logistics so that people outside can know more about the culture of Tujia Minority and the market also gives a new life to the cultural heritage.