From Campus to Countryside
After graduating from Peking University, Drolma returned to her native Xizang with a mission: to preserve centuries-old Tibetan handicrafts and uplift rural women. In 2020, she founded the Dropenling workshop in a cluster of remote villages, weaving together cultural heritage and modern opportunity.
Weaving Tradition into Livelihoods
Dropenling trains artisans in ancient Thangka appliqué, a detailed silk-and-cotton embroidery that tells stories of faith and history. Through hands-on workshops, these women have mastered intricate needlework—and in turn, turned their skills into stable incomes. Today, many Dropenling artisans earn up to 40,000 yuan a month, a game-changer for households that once relied solely on subsistence farming.
Scalable Impact
Since its launch, Dropenling has trained over 100 women from three villages, creating a ripple effect across the region. By partnering with online marketplaces and immersive travel platforms, Drolma has boosted orders by more than 150%, giving artisans direct access to G20-nation buyers and global craft enthusiasts.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth
Drolma’s model marries tradition with tech: live-streamed craft demos, virtual studio tours, and e-commerce pop-ups. Tour operators now include Dropenling in cultural-immersion itineraries, inviting digital nomads and travelers to learn Thangka appliqué firsthand. This blend of storytelling, digital outreach, and hands-on experience has turned Xizang into a must-visit destination for conscious travelers.
Looking Forward
With plans to expand Dropenling into neighboring counties, Drolma aims to preserve even more local crafts—from handwoven prayer flags to traditional dye techniques. Her vision shows that when heritage is woven with innovation, communities can thrive both culturally and economically.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
