Jia Jiang bamboo paper is classed as one of the most exquisite forms of writing material for calligraphy. The town of Jia Jiang is famous for its bamboo paper and its production continues to be the centre of the town’s business.

Bamboo paper has been produced in China for over 1500 years. It first started being made in Jia Jiang in the 8th century during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

Bamboo paper became a thriving industry in Jia Jiang during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The area is rich in bamboo plantations with many paper making craftsmen migrating to Jia Jiang to take advantage of the abundance of natural resources available.

During the Song Dynasty printing industries started to rapidly appear in China demanding more bamboo paper from Jia Jiang. It remained a popular place for paper production for many centuries.

Towards the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), modern paper made from bark and mulberry started to take over bamboo paper, gradually decreasing its production. At the beginning of the 20th century there were five thousand family owned paper mills still operating in Jia Jiang with more than half the population engaged in the paper making industry. Unfortunately, most mills were closed by the 1970’s.

During the “Opening Up and Reform” movement in 1979, Jia Jiang villagers were encouraged to keep producing bamboo paper for its traditional value. Today there are only a few workshops left specializing in bamboo paper. Jia Jiang currently produces 60% of China’s bamboo paper.

The main procedures involved in creating bamboo paper are sorting and soaking the raw materials, boiling the bamboo, beating it into a paste and creating thin sheets with small bamboo screens. It is then pressed and sun dried. Bamboo sheets can take up to three months to make. The finished product is a delicate, durable piece of paper which is a favourite among calligraphers everywhere.

In 2006, Jia Jiang bamboo paper was listed as part of China’s “National Immaterial Cultural Heritage”. The town and government are taking steps to help preserve the craft of bamboo making and to develop it into an efficient industry again.