Entrepreneur revitalizes Yichang’s traditional dyeing techniques
2025-02-14 22:02:39
By Ma Yuhan, Li Yang also contributed to this article.
While many are still celebrating the Spring Festival, Zeng Yalan, owner of a dyeing studio in Yichang, is already busy fulfilling new year orders.
Her studio is filled with stunning blue-dye creations. “These are all handmade by us,” Zeng said. Last year, her workshop welcomed over 50,000 customers and generated more than one million yuan (US$137,000) in revenue.
A former designer, Zeng began learning traditional dyeing techniques in 2015. In 2020, she relocated her business from Wuhan to Yichang, opening Lanran Studio in Xiaoting District, where visitors can experience the art of blue dyeing firsthand.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Zeng recognized the need to blend traditional skills with modern innovations. To enhance her expertise, she studied advanced dyeing techniques and explored Yichang’s traditional dyeing heritage.
Currently, Zeng’s team consists of six workers. Their collaborative efforts have led to the creation of unique products such as notebooks, earrings, and dolls, which have gained popularity both online and offline.
Looking ahead, Zeng hopes to integrate dyeing with other intangible cultural heritages, such as woodblock printing and bamboo weaving. “By doing so, we can preserve intangible cultural heritage and promote local culture,” she added.
While many are still celebrating the Spring Festival, Zeng Yalan, owner of a dyeing studio in Yichang, is already busy fulfilling new year orders.
Her studio is filled with stunning blue-dye creations. “These are all handmade by us,” Zeng said. Last year, her workshop welcomed over 50,000 customers and generated more than one million yuan (US$137,000) in revenue.
A former designer, Zeng began learning traditional dyeing techniques in 2015. In 2020, she relocated her business from Wuhan to Yichang, opening Lanran Studio in Xiaoting District, where visitors can experience the art of blue dyeing firsthand.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Zeng recognized the need to blend traditional skills with modern innovations. To enhance her expertise, she studied advanced dyeing techniques and explored Yichang’s traditional dyeing heritage.
Currently, Zeng’s team consists of six workers. Their collaborative efforts have led to the creation of unique products such as notebooks, earrings, and dolls, which have gained popularity both online and offline.
Looking ahead, Zeng hopes to integrate dyeing with other intangible cultural heritages, such as woodblock printing and bamboo weaving. “By doing so, we can preserve intangible cultural heritage and promote local culture,” she added.
