A visit to the oiled paper umbrella village in Yunnan province

In Xingyang, villagers use simple tools to make umbrellas in accordance with the tradition. [Photo by Xu Jing / chinadaily.com.cn]

According to Zheng Jiacai, second son of the elder Zheng, their umbrellas sell from 80 yuan ($11) to 200 ($31.6) yuan depending on the size. However, migrant workers from their village can normally earn 100 (15.8) yuan to 200 yuan each day.

"As my father gets older, we usually spent two or three days to make one umbrella. Definitely, our income is far less than those migrant workers. As you know, the sales of umbrellas are usually not stable, but getting a salary is different, and a much more steady source of income. If you work harder, you may earn more. So who wants to make umbrellas then?" said younger Zheng.

Fortunately, the local government realized the importance of keeping such a traditional technique, especially when it was listed as an intangible cultural heritage. The government organized 16 young people from this area to study the technique. Several Chinese media such as China Central Television Station report on these protection measures as well.

Meanwhile, along with the development of tourism in Tengchong town, more tourists from China and abroad visited the village in recent years, and bought umbrellas as a souvenir. The elder Zheng said proudly that he sold his umbrellas to visitors from more than 10 countries including the US, France and Japan.

"After the technique was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, the industry has improved. More people know about our products, and how sophisticated and beautiful they are, we can sell them not only as umbrellas, but also as decorations, gifts and artworks. In the past, we sold umbrellas at tourist attractions. Now, they come to our village. Maybe in the future, more young villagers would like to return home, return to the traditional technique," said the younger Zheng.