Located in the northeast corner of Yunnan province, Zhaotong was traditionally an important thoroughfare for the cultures from the central plains to enter Yunnan. Zhaotong is also one of the three birthplaces of the early Yunnan culture and is a major city on Silk Road.

Crystal products produced in Zhaotong, in southwest China's Yunnan province [Photo/Yunnan.cn]

Crystal products produced in Zhaotong have a good reputation in China. During the last China-South Asia Expo, Zhaotong's Zhengxiong county government signed a contract with the Zhejiang Tiefeng Crystal Company to construct the Zhengxiong Crystal Cultural Park. The cultural park project will cover an area of 6.67 hectares and will receive an investment of 550 million yuan ($88.77 million). According to statistics, the annual production value of Zhaotong's crystal industry is nearly 1 billion yuan.

Bamboo weaving art work [Phhoto/Yunnan.cn]

Since ancient times, the inhabitants living around Suijiang River have used bamboo to make products for production and life. The process of making a successful bamboo weaving product requires more than 10 steps, with each step requiring a great deal of effort and attention. Bamboo weaving art works produced and exhibited in Suijiang have been welcomed by collectors from China and abroad.

Wood carving artwork [Phhoto/Yunnan.cn]

Wumeng Mountain in Yunnan is home to an abundance of wood resources, including the rare silk wood. Artists from Zhaotong's Yanjin county combine wood carvings with traditional Chinese painting techniques to improve the visual effect and decorative effect.

Edited by Jacob Hooson