Over 1,400 Years of Linshu Willow Weaving Enters a New Arena
Lifelike animal shapes, photo-worthy top hats, and apple-shaped houses that provide a cool spot to sit—these large willow weaving landscape crafts are customized by Yilin Craft Co., Ltd. in the Liuzhuang community of Qingyun Town, Linshu County, Shandong Province, for major scenic spots and social media hotspots across the country. With the booming development of the cultural tourism industry, Linshu’s willow weaving products have entered a new arena, becoming an emerging force driving local industrial innovation and development.
Linshu willow weaving has a history of over 1,400 years. “Traditional willow weaving uses the Qiliu variety to create various products, mostly agricultural tools, furniture, and decorations, combining practicality with artistic value,” says Shi Xiaolong, the head of Yilin Craft Co., Ltd. He and his family initially engaged in selling willow weaving products in Beijing, primarily focusing on smaller items like baskets. The exquisite craftsmanship and elegant designs of these products were well-received in the market.
“Later, customers began approaching us with images or design drafts, asking if we could make certain items. As more people inquired, we identified a business opportunity,” Shi explains. Most requests for custom willow weaving products came from scenic areas or parks, which required large items often exceeding 2 meters in diameter—an unmet demand in the market at that time. “Initially, we produced in the Beijing market, but due to space limitations, we decided to return to our hometown to leverage local talent resources.”
Shi describes their creations as landscape ornaments, featuring unique designs and larger sizes, primarily placed in scenic areas, farms, parks, and shopping malls for visitors to take photos or relax. Compared to traditional willow weaving, these large-scale items pose greater technical challenges, requiring skilled welders for the framework and high-level weaving artisans.
The industrial foundation of Linshu willow weaving has been key in addressing these challenges. Currently, Yilin Craft Co., Ltd. employs over 10 welders and more than 30 weaving technicians. They operate on an order-based production model, using simulated rattan as the primary weaving material, with demand consistently outpacing supply.
