In the heart of Zhaojue County, Sichuan Province, Qumu Shiwu, a 29-year-old inheritor of the ancient Yi lacquerware craft, is breathing new life into a centuries-old tradition. With a paintbrush in hand, she meticulously creates vibrant patterns on wooden cores, a skill passed down through 14 generations of her ethnic Yi family. Her captivating short videos, showcasing the intricate process of lacquerware decoration, have amassed over 200 million views on social media, transforming this traditional art form into a modern sensation. Born into a family of artisans, Qumu defied gender norms to become the first female inheritor of the craft. Despite challenges, including a severe allergic reaction to raw lacquer, she persevered, completing her first independent work in 2017. Leveraging platforms like Douyin, Kuaishou, and Xiaohongshu, Qumu has expanded the reach of Yi lacquerware, attracting customers from across China and overseas. By integrating traditional designs into contemporary products like phone cases and tea sets, she has revitalized her father’s workshop, increasing its annual revenue from 400,000 yuan to over 3 million yuan. Qumu’s efforts also include nurturing the next generation of artisans through university partnerships and exploring cross-sector collaborations. Her ultimate goal is to introduce Yi lacquerware to a global audience, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Liangshan.