Miao silver conquers poverty in Leishan

Now 14 silver jewelry studios flourish around the village. Seven agritainment facilities have opened for business, offering authentic experiences to a growing number of tourists.

The once-remote mountain village has shed the cloak of poverty – over 10 households' annual income exceeds 1 million yuan ($139,700), and 30 households make over half a million yuan ($69,800).

Last year, over 1,000 visitors came to Pan's studio for unique silversmith courses. He sold over 1,100 pieces of silverware, making more than 200,000 yuan ($27,900). A dozen apprentices have completed training with Pan, and now the artisan is using short video and livestreaming to connect with audiences.

"A cup of tea. A peaceful mind. Follow my posts, to appreciate the world of silver," Pan said while demonstrating how to carve a silver bracelet during a short video he posted on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, last May. "35,000 likes. It was a life-changing moment for me," he said.

As his followers accumulate, sometimes Pan can receive over hundreds of thousands of likes on one post. From last June to August, his new outlet generated another 60,000 yuan in sales.

On Dec 18, Pan attended the 2019 Douyin Creator Forum as a speaker. "We craftsmen normally speak with our skills. Receiving so much attention and support as a Miao silversmith is beyond my wildest dreams," Pan said.

"I will keep elevating in my trade and set a good example for younger generations. Together, we shall bring prosperity to China's rural areas."