Inheriting Craftsmanship | Qixian Glass: From the Tea Road to the World Stage

Did you know? Every exquisite piece of glassware in your hand may originate from the same place—Qixian County, Shanxi Province, a small Chinese city known as the “Glassware Capital.”

Three Centuries of Shanxi Merchants’ Craftsmanship
Over 300 years ago, Shanxi merchants, while developing the “Tea Road” for foreign trade, also brought back a traditional craft—hand-blown glassware. This craft took root in Qixian County and has been passed down through generations. Today, over 60% of China’s hand-blown glassware comes from Qixian, and its products are exported to more than 80 countries and regions in Europe, America, and the Middle East.

From a Corner of the Canton Fair to the World Stage
More than 20 years ago, Qixian glass companies could only secure one and a half booths at the Canton Fair, and even then, in an inconspicuous corner. Now, Qixian glass has graced the tables of G20 state banquets, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and the Qatar World Cup, among other major events. The area produces over 6,000 varieties of glass, from vases and wine sets to candlesticks and tableware—a dazzling array.

Standards and certification empower a leap in quality manufacturing. Bearing a century of craftsmanship, Qixian glass is undergoing a transformation from traditional “manufacturing” to modern “quality manufacturing.” The National Glassware Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Center has been established in Qixian, and the local government has released 21 group standards, constructing the “Qixian Standards” covering the entire chain of design, production, and testing. Enterprises that have passed quality management system certification have seen a significant reduction in product defect rates, and the “Qixian Standards” are becoming a golden key to unlocking the global high-end market.