The Longquan sword has been perfected over the many centuries into both a fascinating weapon used in martial arts and also an elegant traditional folk art. As one of the first countries to develop metal weapons, China has mastered the skills and techniques in making durable, sharp and artistic swords. The first basic Longquan sword was created over 2300 years ago in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

There are three main categories of Longquan swords classed inflexible swords, flexible swords and traditional martial art swords. In total, there are twenty-nine types of swords including stick swords, short swords and twin swords.

The Longquan region is abundant with natural resources used to create the famous swords including itabirite ore, polishing stone and charcoal. Ninety different working procedures are completed to create a Longquan sword. The basic procedures in creating the folk craft are tempering, forging, smoothing, carving, embedding and polishing. The handle of the sword and scabbard is made from rosewood featuring matching silk and bronze baldrics.

There are four traditional features which sword making craftsmen strive for in the Longquan sword. Toughness and sharpness are a necessity for the durability of the sword. It must be strong yet soft and light. The blade must shine in the light like frost or snow. Finally, the sword must feature exquisite ornamentation.

Longquan swords were originally used solely as a weapon for survival in ancient times; however, today it is used in many martial arts tournaments and is now classed as a traditional folk art. They are often presented to foreign visitors as national gifts and are treasured for their aesthetic appeal rather than as a weapon. Many people hang a Longquan sword on the wall of a room as it is known to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits

To preserve and promote this exquisite folk art, the Longquan Sword Museum was founded by famous sword craftsman Zhou Zhengwu whose ancestors have been making Longquan swords for centuries. The Longquan Zhengwu Sword Forging Institute is also dedicated to passing the talented and unique skills of Longquan sword forging on to future generations. Longquan swords have received much recognition in China and internationally. Longquan swords featured in the Longquan Sword Museum were awarded the “Arts and Crafts Fine Work Prize” by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and the “Excellence Prize” for the Zhejiang Province.

These magnificent examples of traditional Chinese craftsmanship have been recognized in the “National List of Intangible Cultural Heritages of China“. Now appreciated for its elegance and handcrafted beauty, Longquan swords continue to be demanded by many tourists and art collectors around the world.