Atlas silk: Ancient folk craftwork still a hit along New Silk Road

Dresses made of Atlas silk [Photo/VCG]

Over the years, the production of atlas silk has combined the techniques of brocade, embroidery and dyeing.

Nowadays in Hotan's village of Jiya, atlas silk is made in almost every household.

Sixty-year-old Eli Mytiniazi started learning how to make atlas silk from his father at the age of 15. He now works for the Yong Hui Company, and has trained up to 100 apprentices. In charge of one of the factory’s three production lines, he earns a monthly salary of over 10,000 yuan (1,450 US dollars).

The Jiya Liren Company has built an exhibition hall of around 300 square meters, displaying the silk making craftsmanship to tourists. Each year it produces over 45,000 rolls of fabric, exporting to countries as far afield as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Germany, the US, and Japan.

The Belt and Road Initiative has further broadened the sales channels for atlas silk.

As the tented camel caravans winding their way across the deserts and mountains of Central Asia have now been replaced by roaring freight trains and trucks, atlas silk is ready to create another legend along the modern-day trade route.