Supple but strong, Linyi's willows bring work and wealth

Over the years, the county government has released a series of policies to promote the development of wickerwork, including help with brand-building, marketing and promotion.

An annual county competition is also held to promote exchange and improve wickerwork skills.

Linshu wickerwork was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage last year.

Seven of the nine towns in the county are working on developing the trade, according to the local government, and some 390 wickerwork companies currently provide work for thousands of farmers.

Over 2 billion yuan ($294 million) worth of Linshu wickerwork was exported last year, a year-on-year increase of 41.2 percent.

"It has become a basic way for people in the county to make a living. Both young and old are able to make very good wickerwork," said Zhang Zhiquan, general manager of Linyi O. lvy Company, which is based in the county.

The company works all the way along the wicker chain, from planting willows to production and foreign trade and employs 8,000 farmers.