Huzhou Customs officers check writing brushes for export. [Photo/Huzhou News Media Center]

In Shanlian town, Nanxun district, Huzhou, Zhejiang province, a region with a long history of making writing brushes, workshops are bustling with activity.

The writing brush produced in Huzhou is renowned for its unique craftsmanship and its making techniques have been recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage.

Production involves eight major steps, with all core processes completed manually. Despite limited output, Huzhou writing brushes have been well-received overseas as an embodiment of Chinese culture.

According to Huzhou Customs, Huzhou exported nearly 1 million yuan ($140,274.56) worth of brush products from January to August this year, primarily to Southeast Asia and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Wen Jiaming, general manager of Huzhou Zimo Brush Co, said that since more and more calligraphy classes are emerging in schools in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries, the company's products are now sold in over 10 countries and regions including Southeast Asia.

To support local businesses in expanding globally, Huzhou Customs has conducted in-depth research and provided tailored policy guidance. "We help companies utilize the RCEP policies and offer streamlined services like self-printing to save time and costs," said Wu Jianbin, an official at Huzhou Customs.

Through these efforts, Huzhou writing brushes are emerging on the world stage, one brush at a time.