History for Bamboo

The history for using bamboo in China extends over four thousands years ago. Many ancient cultural bamboo artifacts were made for daily production and living purposes. Chinese people used bamboo slices to record history and spread culture before paper was developed. The durability of bamboo products is very popular and reliable.

China is the largest producer of bamboo products in the world. Bamboo grows mainly in South China and covers areas over 200,000,000 square miles. Traditionally, bamboo was only used for daily accessories such as chopsticks, cups, chairs, tables, etc. In the end of 20th century bamboo production technology developed greatly due to economic growth in China and protecting the environment deforestation became an important issue. Bamboo began to attract attention from the government and public as an alternative building material. In southern China rich soil and plentiful precipitation allowed for a friendly tropical environment in which to grow bamboo.

Bamboo harvesting provides a sole means of making a living for many bamboo farmers in the poor mountainous regions in the south. This bamboo industry is also supported and encouraged by the local government.