Soundwalk through a Batik Workshop in Paimo Village

It takes me about an hour by car to get there, along winding mountain roads to get there. Many women in these two villages and surrounding areas know how to make batik. However, a large number of them who still work with batik have moved to the town—many of them have joined Ninghang Batik—or have started their own batik businesses.

In Paimo village, I come across the Mingxiu batik Workshop (明秀蜡染工坊). It was founded by Madame Zhang, who brought together women still living in the village to set up the workshop. This recording captures the sounds I hear as I walk through the different areas of the workshop—the dyeing and washing area, the space where the Miao women apply with wax, and the courtyard where fabrics are hung to dry. The village is nestled in lush mountains, filled with the sounds of birds and insects—a stark contrast to the environment in Danzhai county.

This recording is best experienced with headphones.