Zhang Hanmin has also started a class to promote Bai culture among local children. As part of the class, she takes them to the mountains to experience the natural beauty of their hometown.

"It's like sowing a seed-who knows which of them will become an inheritor or guardian of our culture in the future.

"Just like me. How was I to know that my childhood memories would influence me so much."

Zhang Hanmin says when she returned to her hometown for Spring Festival six years ago, she found that few young Bai people were interested in their traditions. "They preferred machine-made clothes, which were cheaper and came with more patterns."

Now, she finds more locals are returning to Zhoucheng to build a career in tie-dyeing.

She now teaches the technique to others in Dali, and believes that sharing and communication will boost the industry.

"I want to be an influencer rather than a competitor. It's important that tie-dye shines on the world stage. When we all work together to make the market bigger we will make the industry better," she says.

"I'm looking into ways of promoting the Bai culture in a sustainable way. I want our customers to enjoy the process of tie-dyeing so they like it."

Zhang Hanmin combines fashion elements with traditional tie-dye to make products such as scarves and handkerchiefs.

The center currently has 21 staff members, many of whom are local Bai youth.

"I hope that young people of Bai will take up the tradition of doing tiedye and enjoy it.

"When young people find that there are such work opportunities that bring a sense of identity, they will be happy to return to make a contribution to their hometown," she says.

Contact the writers at xulin@chinadaily.com.cn