Tibet Jiangzi Carpet Factory

Tibet Gyangze Carpet Factory (西藏自治区江孜地毯厂), founded in 1973, is a leading enterprise in Tibet that specializes in the traditional Tibetan carpet weaving techniques. Known for its fine craftsmanship, the carpets produced by this factory are regarded as one of the “Three Great Carpets of the World”, alongside Persian carpets and Turkish carpets. The factory’s products, under the brand Zongshan (宗山), feature over 100 different types of handwoven carpets, known for both their artistic appeal and practical use.

The factory utilizes a 900-year-old traditional weaving technique, employing natural processes for the entire production cycle. As of 2024, its products are sold in over 40 countries and regions, including Europe and North America, and have earned numerous honors, including the China Craft Art “Hundred Flowers Award” (中国工艺美术“百花奖”). In 2011, it was designated as a National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage Production Demonstration Base (国家级非遗生产示范基地).

Company Overview

Founded: 1973

Headquarters: Gyangze County (江孜县), Tibet (西藏)

Major Products: Handwoven Tibetan carpets under the “Zongshan” (宗山) brand

Recognition: National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage Production Demonstration Base (2011)

Employee Count: Approximately 60-160 employees (as of 2021)

Export Share: 60% of total production (as of 2015)

History and Evolution

1973: The factory was founded to continue the 900-year-old tradition of Tibetan carpet weaving in Gyangze (江孜).

1984: The factory won the China Craft Art “Hundred Flowers Award” (中国工艺美术“百花奖”).

2006: The Tibetan Carpet Weaving Technique was included in the first batch of National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage (国家级非遗).

2017: Two modernized factories were built to enhance production capacity.

Production Process

Traditional Techniques: The factory maintains entirely natural processes, including the use of plant dyes, the “rod knotting” weaving method, and the double warp technique. Only steel is used for the weaving frame.

Product Features: The carpets are known for their vibrant, long-lasting colors, and intricate designs that often include cultural elements such as the Potala Palace (布达拉宫) and Mount Everest (珠峰). They are both soft and durable.

Production Scale: The factory produces over 10,000 square meters of carpets annually (as of 2015), with custom designs and specifications available for clients.

Honors and Certifications

1980: Awarded the National Light Industry Quality Award (全国轻工业产品优质奖).

1984: Won the China Craft Art “Hundred Flowers Award” (中国工艺美术“百花奖”).

2011: Recognized as a National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage Production Demonstration Base (国家级非遗生产性保护示范基地).

Famous Trademark: The “Zongshan” (宗山) brand is a well-known Tibetan trademark.

Current Status and Development

Industrial Upgrades: In 2017, the factory invested 6.5 million RMB to expand its factory and introduce modern equipment to enhance production.

Cultural Tourism Integration: The factory now features a showroom and workshop open to visitors, allowing them to learn about the traditional carpet-making process.

Market Expansion: In 2024, the factory partnered with the Shanghai Assistance Team for Tibet (上海援藏小组) to rejuvenate and modernize its brand, targeting a younger demographic.

Inheritance and Challenges

Key Inheritors:

  • Bian Duo (边多), the current director (since 2015), is a representative inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Tibetan carpet weaving.

  • La Ping (拉平), who became the factory’s director in 2023, is an intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Tibet.

Challenges:

  • One of the major challenges faced by the factory is the gap in passing down traditional weaving techniques, especially to the younger generation.

Solutions:

  • The government has supported regional brand development and promoted the “Intangible Heritage + Employment” (非遗+就业) model to encourage young people to participate in the preservation and promotion of Tibetan traditional crafts.

The Tibet Gyangze Carpet Factory continues to bridge the gap between traditional Tibetan craftsmanship and modern industrial practices, maintaining its legacy as a key player in the preservation of Tibetan culture and its artistry.