Couple in Guizhou revive Miao batik craft news 中国原生态国际摄影大展

Liu Shaohua introduces batik clothes to netizens via a livestreaming platform in Danzhai county, Guizhou province, last month. [Photo by Huang Xiaohai/for chinadaily.com.cn]

A traditional fabric dying technique used by the Miao ethnic group is lifting craftsmen out of poverty while spreading Miao culture via livestreaming.

The intricate technique known as batik, which uses hot wax to create designs, is the beginning of an inspirational entrepreneurial story of a post-90s couple in Danzhai county, Guizhou province, who are the focus of a recent Korean special, China Pictorial.

Pan Qibo, 26, and Liu Shaohua, 21, are batik enthusiasts in Danzhai. The pair, both of whom are from impoverished families, fell in love after discovering their shared interest.

In 2018, they established a batik handicraft workshop to create their own original brand with the support of local cultural and creative development policies.

Pan Qibo and Liu Shaohua hang some of the clothing they have produced. [Photo by Huang Xiaohai/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Over the past few years, they have designed batik patterns and guided craftsmen to manufacture batik products. They also spread knowledge by presenting the cultural origins and craftsmanship of the Miao to netizens via livestreaming and short videos.

They're open for business with their unique brand, with orders received daily from around the country. Annual revenue has reached more than 300,000 yuan ($42,462).

The workshop provides jobs for six local craftsmen, helping them increase their income.

Zhao Yandi contributed to this story.

Pan Qibo and Liu Shaohua take a look at a line of their batik clothing brand. [Photo by Huang Xiaohai/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Liu Shaohua make wax designs on cloth. When color dyes are applied, the wax areas are protected, resulting in a detailed reverse image. [Photo by Huang Xiaohai/for chinadaily.com.cn]