Feng Zuhuai and his wife are looking for fans. Photo courtesy of Ding Wenxin
A few days ago, Feng Zuhuai and Zhang Meiying from Zhuhe Village, Xiaotian Town, Shucheng County, Anhui Province, processed sweet potato vermicelli using traditional manual methods as in previous years to prepare sufficient supply for the second Rural New Year Festival held in the town.
fans to dry. Photo courtesy of Ding Wenxin
Feng Zuhuai and Zhang Meiying, who are in their 60s this year, are recognized as hard-working models in everyone’s eyes. More than ten years ago, Feng Zuhuai learned to make vermicelli by hand. Using traditional tools and traditional methods, Feng Zuhuai fell in love with this skill and has never tired of it.
Feng Zuhuai and his wife are showing off their fans. Picture provided by Ding Wenxin
"Handmade vermicelli is a slow and meticulous work. Whether it is the composition of the starch, control of time, or control of the heat, you must know it well." Feng Zuhuai said. Many consumers prefer hand-polished vermicelli because it is stronger and tastes more pure. In order to meet the needs of more customers, Feng Zuhuai installed machine processing equipment and can sell more than 3,000 kilograms of vermicelli a year on average. But Feng Zuhuai has never given up on traditional craftsmanship, even though it takes a little more time and the procedures are a little more complicated. "As long as there are people who like handmade vermicelli, I will keep making it." Feng Zuhuai poured his heart and soul into this craft.
Zhang Meiying is showing off her fans. Photo courtesy of Ding Wenxin
At the end of each year, Feng Zuhuai and Zhang Meiying devote themselves wholeheartedly to fan processing. In other seasons, the couple was not idle, developing tea and camellia oil, and raising pigs, chickens and ducks. "Born and raised in the countryside, you have to be busy in the countryside. As long as you are diligent, you don't have to worry about not being rich or having a good life." Working hard but happily, Feng Zuhuai and Zhang Meiying used their hard work and sweat to water a beautiful life. . (Ding Wenxin)
