Personal stories: Breathing new life into ancient craft

Qin Chunhui introduces the products to a visitor at the ICIF. [Photo by Feng Minghui/chinadaily.com.cn]

Qin Chunhui - Zhuang people’s health secrets

"People of the older generation in my hometown always use this to fill their pillows," Qin Chunhui, representative from the Zhuang ethnic group of Lianshan, Guangdong province, said when she pointed to her products - Shan Cangzi, or Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., a special wild plant produced in southern China.

Qin said that they have a long tradition of making pillows of Shan Cangzi and it has natural anti-swelling functions and also promotes sleep. The plant is also a good source of traditional Chinese medicine. Nowadays more and more young people realize its benefit and return to this tradition.

"I want what benefits us to benefit others," Qin, a 29-year-old young lady, seized the opportunity to spread Zhuang ethnic healthcare culture and to make money at the same time.

In 2014, she and her team created their own brand and started to produce a series of products made of the natural Shan Cangzi, featuring Zhuang’s medical theories and healthcare tradition, which is increasingly recognized by the public.