Handicrafts Made From Tree Barks

Oroqen is an old ethnic minority group living in Xing'an Mountains of Inner Mongolia. Living under harsh environments, they have learned to use barks from Birch trees to make all kinds of items, such as cases, hats, handbags, baskets, and boats. Chanyu Group, a shop amidst the tech-heavy Zhong Guan Cun area, has a colorful display of these beautiful handicrafts.

Cases in a variety of forms highlight the shop. They come in various shapes and sizes, including that of a drum, a bowl, and even a heart. They can be used to hold food, jewel, pencil, or anything else you like. The bark is very durable, and will last a long time.

In fact, the shop owner, who is an Oroqen, personally vouched for the durability of the bark. She said an Oroqen family would use utensils made of Birch bark for hundreds of years.

Prices of cases vary from RMB 20 to RMB 500, depending on the sizes and intricacy. Hats and handbags are priced from RMB 100 to RMB 300.

The shop wall hung paintings of Oroqen's landscape, such as one depicting a wolf walking though the forests of Xing'an Mountains. The paintings are produced on birch wood using pyrography, which paints through the use of fire.

What I appreciate:
Unique technique, beautiful design

What customers appreciate:
Special handicrafts, ethnic art