Editor's Note: This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past ten years, the circle of friends of the Belt and Road Initiative has been growing, and China's cultural exchanges with foreign countries have also been strengthened.

Chongqing - The journey of the young Indian, known by his Chinese name, Chen Jifeng, is a prime example. Hailing from an ancestry rooted in Guangdong, Chen embodies the spirit of a dynamic young man of Chinese-Indian heritage. Following his love, Tang Yi, he came to Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. 

Here, in the embrace of Tang Yi's homeland, they exchanged vows, intertwining their destinies. Thus began an extraordinary journey of love that weaves together the richness of diverse cultures and the unyielding strength of a bond that distance and difference could not break.

Chen Jifeng caresses the spinning threads of Xiabu, feeling their texture beneath his fingertips. (Photo/Shangyou News)

From his first encounter with the pulse and tranquility of Rongchang District, Chongqing, Chen Jifeng was enamored. Upon his arrival in China in the early months of 2021, the Chinese language was an intricate labyrinth to him, with not a word at his disposal. Undeterred, Chen embraced the challenge fervently, soon achieving commendable milestones by conquering the HSK Level 1 and Level 2 examinations. 

These are internationally recognized gauges of proficiency in Chinese designed for non-native speakers from all walks of life, including foreign nationals, overseas Chinese, and ethnic minorities. This linguistic leap bridged the gap between him and the local populace, enabling the blossoming of rudimentary yet meaningful communication. Amidst this personal evolution, Chen found a profound connection with Xiabu grass linen, an element of local culture that became a cornerstone of his deepening affiliation with his adopted home.

Chen Jifeng asks Tang Yi to model Xiabu attire. (Photo/Shangyou News)

Xiabu cloth, a hand-woven marvel crafted from ramie fibers, is celebrated for its refreshing coolness and exquisite comfort. The artistry behind its creation was honored as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008, symbolizing its cultural and historical significance. 

This venerable craft runs deep in the lineage of Tang's family, a legacy meticulously handed down through generations. Her grandfather, mother, and even cousin are custodians of unique weaving techniques that breathe life into the fabric. Tang's childhood was set to the rhythmic soundtrack of linen looms at work, an ambient testament to her growth. It was not until her scholarly pursuits led her to the United Kingdom that she fully grasped the profound value of this humble tradition. She recognized it as more than a skill; it was the most precious treasure of her hometown, a tangible connection to her roots.

Upon returning to China after her graduation, Tang immersed herself with unwavering passion in studying and preserving Xiabu, dedicating her efforts to sustaining this emblem of her heritage. Her devotion deeply inspired Chen, who found himself inexorably drawn to the allure of Xiabu. His first encounter with the linen was marked by its coarse yet vibrant texture, a tactile narrative spun from the earth itself. Its unrefined purity, intimately connected to nature, etched an indelible mark on his memory. In this fabric, he did not just perceive a material; he experienced a profound intertwining of culture, history, and love.

Chen Jifeng immerses himself in the workings of a traditional loom. (Photo/Shangyou News)

Chen came to understand that Xiabu was no ordinary textile but a historic genre of linen fabric, its roots extending deep into China's storied past. The annals of Xiabu can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), while its broader category, linen fabrics, originated even earlier, their presence richly documented in classical Chinese literature. 

Once cherished by royalty, the finest Xiabu was esteemed enough to be offered as tribute. Its value lies in the meticulous artistry required in its creation, a process so intricate and refined that no machine could possibly replicate it. Each production phase demands precision and dedication that only the human touch can provide, making every piece of Xiabu not just a fabric but a woven tapestry of history, skill, and cultural reverence.

Now, the couple are fervently channeling their energies into ushering Xiabu onto a wider stage. With innovation weaving through tradition, they have expanded the fabric's applications beyond convention, crafting Xiabu into folding fans, embroidered pieces, paintings, bedding, and home decor. 

Their vision even led to the conceptualization and successful establishment of a Xiabu-themed hotel and SPA, an immersive space where guests are enveloped in the fabric's unique allure. Through their relentless efforts, Xiabu is unfurling its legacy beyond the borders of Chongqing, captivating audiences throughout China and steadily garnering international acclaim.

Chen Jifeng and Tang Yi engage in a strategic discussion over business matters. (Photo/Shangyou News)

Furthermore, the man has evolved into a cultural ambassador for Xiabu. Committed to broadening awareness and appreciation for Xiabu's significance, the couple have tirelessly championed its cultural heritage. They recognize that safeguarding this precious intangible cultural heritage hinges on collective engagement and enthusiasm. Thus, beyond their dedication to product innovation and strategic marketing, they substantially emphasize cultural sharing and exchange. Through these endeavors, they aspire to weave Xiabu's historical and cultural threads into the fabric of global consciousness, ensuring its preservation and perpetuation for future generations.

Chen fervently engages in endeavors spotlighting Xiabu, leveraging his proficiency in multiple languages. He ingeniously infuses Xiabu elements into traditional crafts, aligning them with contemporary preferences, all in a bid to elevate Xiabu onto an international platform through initiatives like the Belt and Road. This fusion not only showcases Xiabu's multifaceted appeal but also fosters a profound synthesis of cultures. 

Embodied in Xiabu attire, he becomes the living emblem of its legacy, whether starring in promotional visuals or imparting etiquette guidance for event hospitality. Through these dynamic efforts, Chen is not just marketing a product; he is extending an invitation to experience a rich, tangible tapestry of history and artistry.

Chen Jifeng and Tang Yi aspire to share the richness of Xiabu culture with the world. (Photo/Shangyou News)