The couple and the tie-dyeing

Tie-dyeing is a traditional art which has a history of more than 1,000 years. The Zhoucheng Village, not far away from the Dali Ancient City in west Yunnan’s Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, is known as the "Hometown of Bai People's Tie-dyeing Art". In the village, there is a couple passing down the art together. They are Dian Yinkai and Duan Shukun.

Born in a family of Tie-dyeing artists, Duan Yinkai mastered the skills of tie-dyeing art at a young age. Her husband, Duan Shukun, also has the same family background.

In 1998, they rebuilt the dyeing house inherited from their ancestors and has run it very well. And many of their works are rewarded.

In their daily life, Duan Shukun focuses on the painting of patterns, while Duan Yinkai continues to blaze new trails in creating skills. 

For years, the couple have devoted themselves to the preservation and promotion of Tie-dyeing. And their dyeing house has trained local villagers, and helped them find markets for products.

In 2008, Duan Yinkai and her husband turned a local discarded factory into a museum of Tie-dyeing. Now, the museum is open to tourists and it is the training base for numerous colleges. " We want to pass down this art, it is our responsibility to do this," Duan Yinkai said.  

Editor: Wang Shixue; Xinhua photos