Zhao Wenzan weaves a straw rain cape on May 16, 2023, at Zhuangjiaying Village in Shandong Province. (Photos: CNSPHOTO)

Artisan Zhao Wenzan was busy weaving straw rain capes at Zhuangjiaying Village in Shandong Province. As an inheritor of this time-honored skill, Zhao picked up the craft around ten years ago after his retirement.

Zhao Wenzan shows his handmade straw rain cape on May 16, 2023, at Zhuangjiaying Village in Shandong Province.

He cycled to the riverside to reap tough, durable grasses, then washed and dried them before weaving them into a cape.

Zhao Wenzan shows his handmade straw rain cape on May 16, 2023, at Zhuangjiaying Village in Shandong Province.

Over the years, Zhao has donated most of his capes to local museums. He hopes tourists and visitors will learn what people used to wear on rainy days in the past.