As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches on June 10, one Shanghai artisan’s story stitches together history, culture, and passion. Chen Xingzhi, 76 – dubbed the 'Grandma of Sachets' – has spent nearly 70 years perfecting the delicate craft of making embroidered sachets, a cherished festival tradition.
Starting at age 6 under her grandmother’s guidance, Chen now serves as the official inheritor of this cultural practice in Minhang District. Her creations, bursting with floral motifs and symbolic animals, are more than accessories – they’re wearable art believed to ward off misfortune during the festival.
'Every stitch carries our ancestors’ wisdom,’ Chen told us. 'I want young people to see these as living history, not museum pieces.’
With over 15 apprentices trained and workshops at local schools, Chen aims to make sachet-making TikTok-worthy 📸 while preserving its soul. Her next project? Collaborating with indie designers to create zodiac-themed sachets for Gen Z collectors.
