Streams of gold from needles & threads

"The cooperative gives them the opportunity to make embroidery products and to make money from them. The good thing is that they don't have to leave their families to work in cities, and the income they earn gives them better lives."

Making traditional handicrafts has become a source of income for local women, but turning the art into products for modern consumption remains a key challenge for Zhang. She now runs eight shops, including four cooperative shops, across the country, to increase individual sales.

One of her most popular products is a cell phone case with flowery patterns inspired by the Qiang ethic group, such as rhododendrons, commonly seen in Zhang's village, and rhombus-shaped patches with thread of red, green and white, symbolizing passion for life, for nature and for good spirits.

Now Zhang, who gave birth to her first child five months ago, plans to take Qiang embroidery to primary and middle schools, aiming to raise awareness of Qiang traditional culture and to make Qiang embroidery sustainable.