A unique plant thrives deep in the heart of Chaqingsongduo National Nature Reserve in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Known locally as "wolf poison plant" due to its toxic coumarin content, the Chinese stellera holds a special significance for the Tibetan communities inhabiting the region. Its rhizomes, rich in bast fibers, have been a prized resource for traditional papermaking for over a millennium.

Chongba, a skilled artisan in the prefecture, practices this ancient tradition. Each year, from August to September, she ventures into the mountains to harvest the Chinese stellera. The resulting paper, renowned for its durability and unique properties, has been a staple in Tibetan culture for centuries. Its toxic nature, while a deterrent to insects and pests, has made it particularly popular for printing Buddhist scriptures and creating intricate artworks. Beyond religious and artistic applications, stellera paper has also been used to craft decorative items, lanterns and countless other objects.

Recognizing its cultural importance, the papermaking technique using Chinese stellera has been honored as part of China's first batch of national intangible cultural heritages. This designation underscores the significance of preserving this ancient craft and ensuring its continued practice for generations to come.

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Yu Peng)