Intangible cultural heritage helps farmers weave way out of poverty

HEFEI, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Mats made of "water bamboo" were a necessity to survive the scorching sun for people who lived over 2,000 years ago, but they can still find a niche in the market for their natural, hand-made and durable qualities.

Not all mats made of fishscale bamboo are sought after in the market, but the Shu mat is listed as intangible cultural heritage in Wanghe Township, Qianshan City, in eastern China's Anhui Province.

The town is historically famed for its fishscale bamboo and fine craftsmanship capable of turning the stiff plant into soft and thin mats.

The ancient handicraft, in recent years, has regained its shine with the help of local governments and become a money-spinner for farmers in the town enabling them to shake off poverty.