The Shui women produce embroidery according to patterns given to them by retail outlets, and this has become a vital source of income.

"By selling the embroidery, we can gain as much as 1,600 US dollars a year," a local said.

Now there are four horsetail embroidery workshops in Sandu. They not only generate financial income for the villagers, but also play a key role in keeping this traditional handicraft alive.