Chinese artisans weave silver and copper into exquisite metal wares

While weaving with threads or bamboo strips is common around the world, weaving metal into functional objects remains a rare craft.

In Heqing county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, local silversmiths are pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship.

By applying techniques inspired by bamboo weaving, artisans transform silver and copper into fine strands, which are then woven into teaware, mats, or exquisite decorative patterns on silverware.

Heqing county, renowned nationwide as the "hometown of silverware," boasts a silverware industry with an annual output value of more than 5 billion yuan ($716.99 million).

Across its nine townships, around 18,000 people are engaged in the processing and sale of silver and copper wares.