Li Guilan – Inheritor of Lisu Ethnic Costume-making Skill in Weixi County, Diqing

Li Guilan (李桂兰) is a provincial-level inheritor of Lisu (傈僳族) costume-making techniques from Yongchun Township (永春乡), Weixi County (维西县) in Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州). She was born in 1963 in Meiluo Village (美洛村), Pantiange Township (攀天阁乡). Li Guilan inherited the traditional Lisu costume-making skills from her family, developing a strong interest in the craft under the influence of her mother. In addition to preserving the traditional techniques, she has introduced stylistic and pattern innovations to adapt the costumes to modern aesthetics.

Inheritance Activities and Innovative Measures

Training and Transmission

Li Guilan actively participates in local intangible cultural heritage preservation efforts. She conducts training sessions and workshops to teach younger generations the techniques of Lisu costume-making. Alongside other inheritors, she regularly organizes exchange activities to share knowledge and skills.

Integrating Modern Design

While retaining the traditional features of Lisu costumes, Li Guilan incorporates modern design elements. She uses new materials such as cotton and wool yarn to weave double-layered fabrics and adds colorful lace and patterns to the garments. This innovation enhances the visual appeal of the costumes and attracts more interest from younger audiences.

Promoting Industrial Development

By participating in various exhibitions and cultural events, Li Guilan has brought Lisu costumes to broader markets. Her works are well-received locally and have also been showcased at international exhibitions in cities like Shanghai (上海) and Shenzhen (深圳), where they have garnered positive feedback.

Addressing Challenges in Inheritance

Facing challenges such as raw material shortages and declining interest among the youth, Li Guilan collaborates with local governments and cultural departments to gain support. Through the “Intangible Cultural Heritage Poverty Alleviation Workshop” model, she encourages local women to learn the craft and increase their income.

Achievements in Inheritance

Li Guilan’s efforts have yielded remarkable results. Currently, Weixi County (维西县) has 810 intangible cultural heritage practitioners engaged in Lisu traditional costume-making, including 420 households that have been lifted out of poverty. Her apprentices actively participate in the inheritance work, and more and more young and middle-aged women are beginning to learn the craft.

Li Guilan’s dedication not only preserves the traditional Lisu costume-making techniques, but also contributes significantly to local economic development and cultural preservation.

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