Qinghai rides carpets, culture to new prosperity
From Thangka paintings to quality rugs, province is leveraging its heritage, history
Would it be a surprise to learn that plush carpets underfoot at Dubai International Airport, Carnival cruise ships, and Las Vegas hotels often come from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau?
Tibetan carpets are among the three most-famous traditional carpets in the world and have a history dating back 3,000 years. Prized for their fine wool, unique craftsmanship, and exquisite designs, they enjoy global acclaim.
Based in Xining, Qinghai province, Shengyuan Carpet Group is one of China's largest Tibetan carpet manufacturers, and boasts a significant market share. The company combines the advantages of handwoven and machine-woven carpets to ensure product quality and aesthetics while increasing production efficiency.
Du Fei, deputy general manager of the projects department, recalls the company's humble beginnings. "Founded in 2007 with just over 20 employees, we survived fierce market competition by tackling complex craftsmanship and focusing on high-end, custom-made carpets, elevating 'Made in China' standards," he said.
Today, the company's annual sales exceed 100 million yuan ($13.9 million), with products shipped to the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Australia. The United States accounts for 60 to 70 percent of sales, which mainly go to high-end venues.
Production methods range from machine-woven, which imitates handmade rugs, to gun-tufted, or semi-handmade, to fully handwoven, with prices increasing manyfold as craftsmanship becomes more intricate.
