In the ancient city of Qixian, Shanxi, the craft of handmade blown glass has been a longstanding tradition. Centuries ago, Shanxi merchants, who traveled along the “Ten-Thousand-Mile Tea Road” for trade, brought this ancient technique back to Qixian upon their return.
Today, among Qixian’s 249,000 residents, 30,000 are engaged in this craft, producing over 60% of China’s handmade blown glassware. These products are exported to more than 80 countries and regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. In recent years, the number of glassware enterprises with independent exports has increased, with many companies expanding production. In 2024, Qixian’s glassware industry achieved a revenue of 1.656 billion yuan, marking a 33.35% growth compared to the previous year, demonstrating a strong upward trend.
Qixian’s glassware has gained international recognition, appearing at major events such as the G20 Summit, the Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum, the Boao Forum for Asia, the Qatar World Cup, and the Beijing Winter Olympics. From traditional workshops to a modern industrial hub, Qixian has transformed into the “Glassware Capital of China,” proving the enduring power of craftsmanship combined with innovation.