"I want to conduct exchanges with bamboo weavers of different styles to widen the vision and further hone my skills," he says, adding that he is confident of his own craftsmanship and innovative ideas, and wants to expand the influence of bamboo weaving in Maoba.

Currently, around 300 people from 80 households in Maoba are engaged in the business, which annually generates 7.16 million yuan, according to Peng Lan, Party secretary of the township.

Fu would like to teach more apprentices to better carry on the time-honored craft. His 35-year-old son is also determined to follow in Fu's footsteps.

For Fu, bamboo weaving is not just a lifelong practice, but a reminder of who he is and where he was born.

Besides, he says the quality of bamboo products, produced from natural resources to have fragrance and be preserved, is much better than manufactured items.

Zhu Youfang contributes to the story.