E-commerce lets a village thrive

[Photo by Lu Peng/Xinhua]

"Opening an online store is free. You don't need a large space, or much funding," says Wang, who also attributes the popularity of Chinese knots to the growing awareness of Chinese consumers about traditional Chinese culture.

"People like decorating their rooms and cars with traditional folk artwork, especially during Chinese festivals," he says.

In 2012, like many young people, who were leaving their poor villages to seek better opportunities in the cities, Wang joined an internet company in Shenzhen, in Guangdong province.

He came up with the idea of selling Chinese knots online after seeing his colleagues buying the products before the traditional Spring Festival celebrations.

He tested his idea by opening a Taobao store and selling Chinese knots, which he bought from nearby commodities markets.

The following year, Wang quit his job and returned to his hometown to start his own company.

Separately, the local government is also supporting the e-commerce trend by offering free or cheaper land for entrepreneurs to build offices and factories.

"We all want our villages to become richer and better," says Wang.

"The success of companies is not just about reviving traditional folk art, but also offering job opportunities to young people, so they don't have to leave their villages to seek jobs."