The ribbon weaving craft from Chongming was showcased at the 2025 Asian American Expo in Los Angeles recently, as part of the Shanghai group activities and "Amazing Shanghai" city image exhibition month. It captured international attention with its cultural significance and innovative design, becoming a highlight of the event.

The Chongming ribbon weaving technique developed alongside the local homespun textile craft and is considered a "miniature version" of homespun weaving. It is a representative intangible cultural heritage project of Chongming District. Using only a small bamboo shuttle and a mini loom, artisans can weave ribbons with various patterns.

In the bustling Shanghai exhibition area, dozens of cultural and creative products, such as creative brooches, homespun bag straps, and keychains incorporating Chongming ribbon weaving, demonstrated the diverse applications of this heritage craft in modern life. Visitors were captivated and eager to purchase souvenirs. Innovation within tradition is the driving force for the continued development of ribbon weaving.

The Asian American Expo, the largest Asian cultural event in the United States, has been held for 42 consecutive years and has become one of the best celebrations for the Chinese New Year in the country, attracting large audiences each year. The appearance of the Shanghai exhibition group added a vibrant touch to the expo, with the dazzling array of Chongming heritage products offering a refreshing experience.

It was reported that these ribbon weaving cultural products were provided by the Kapok Handicraft Workshop in Shuxin Town. In recent years, the workshop has actively explored the "intangible heritage + cultural creativity" model, developing various creative heritage products like home decor and fashion accessories. These products retain the essence of traditional culture while incorporating modern aesthetics, allowing Chongming heritage to go viral and go global. Song Rongyao, the workshop's leader, hopes to showcase the charm of Chinese traditional crafts to the world through international exhibitions, enhancing foreigners' understanding of Chinese culture while expanding the market and promoting traditional Chinese culture.