Yu yu, 15 January 2025
On New Year’s Eve, as the masses pour into cities aglow, immersed in AI illusions and electronic beats, there is a different breed—modern life’s outsiders, choosing instead to tread the path less known. They retreat into the wilds, leaving behind the trappings of the everyday world. There, they live by fire and blade, spending days steeped in the raw and the real. Roles and titles are shed like old skins, replaced by heartfelt exchanges of bushcraft skills and the unadulterated joy of simplicity. This is the 7th China Bushcraft Show.
Photo: The hand-drawn totem of this Show Since its debut in 2017 under the topic “Calling by Fire,” and continuing
through 2024’s “Tribe” topic, the China Bushcraft Show has spanned seven years. Over this time, the event has chronicled the evolving journey of China’s Bushcrafters, while also
showcasing a distinctly localized expression of
Bushcraft culture.
Photo: A tribe in the woodland
Tribe: Trade goods, live by your craft.
This year’s topic is the “Tribe.” The event emphasizes skill-sharing and interactive exchange. Held in the Nature Valley of Changxing, Huzhou, Zhejiang, China, volunteers arrive early to set up the venue, followed by Players choosing their own spots to build shelters and take part in a variety of skill activities, enjoying a fully immersive three-day experience.
Photo: Sun Wukong’s wine gourd is a common container.
The China’s Bushcraft
China’s bushcraft culture owes much to the fusion of East and West. From translating classics books to championing Daoist wisdom, it has seen the emergence of pioneers like bushcrafter Li Jun. These pioneers not only shared the foundational tenets of bushcraft but also created a sanctuary of thought— a reading corner at their Tribe. There, participants sat by the fire’s soft glow, a cup of pine needle tea in hand, the quiet rustle of pages accompanying their journey into nature’s quiet truths.
Photo: On the left is Yu Yu, the founder of the China Bushcraft Show On the right is Li Jun, the ambassador for Asian Bushcraft Cultural Exchange
Photo: Nick, the artisan of HillZero
The traditional Chinese philosophical concept: Wuxing
Photo: Flowmaster (A Daoist of Zhengyi Dao) is drawing talismans and praying for giving
Photo: A Daoist Feng Shui Compass
Diagram: Chinese Wuxing (Five Elements) philosophy
Wuxing, is the dance of five natural elements, each shaping and checking the other. It stands as a foundation stone of Chinese thought. Though modern China places its faith in science, its traditional culture still holds a quiet, enduring allure.
Wood feeds Fire, Fire produces Earth, Earth bears Metal, Metal collects Water,Water nourishes Wood. On the other hand: Wood depletes Wate, Water rusts Metal, Metal impoverishes Earth, Earth smothers Fire, Fire burns Wood.
The concept of Wuxing runs through every aspect of the China Bushcraft Show:
Metal:From the forge ring the clear, steady blows of hammer on anvil. Here, participants shape blades and axes, savoring the quiet satisfaction of ancient craft.
Photo: Jin, the blacksmith of Wilderness Forge
Photo: Noon, the Blademith of Nooncraft
Photo: Oxyao, the leather craftsman of Oxen design
Wood:The greenwood craft workshop highlights a variety of traditional woodcraft techniques, demonstrating the endless possibilities of this elemental material.
Photo: Cotinus (Smoke Tree) , a beautiful wood used by Chinese greenwood crafters
Photo: Miss Su, the craftsman of Sucraft
Photo: Aimoo , the craftsman of Mcraft
Photo: Lin’s Bird Spoon
Water: Seasoned fly-fishers offer insights into tying biomimetic flies and perfecting casting techniques, teaching participants how to navigate fishing in watery environments.
Photo: Inzi (FFI CCI) is demonstrating fly tying.
Photo: Instructing fly-casting techniques
Fire: Foodies from far and wide come together, bringing the tastes of north and south. With flame and pan, they reveal the essence of each region’s food.
Photo: Fire-Making Skills Challenge
Photo: Chinese BBQ
Earth:Flint-knapping experts reveal the essence of early human tools, drawing ancient wisdom from stone.
Photo: Native Chinese flint-like stones
Photo: Midway, A flint-knapping craftsman
Photo: Mini Danish Dagger, Flint-knapped artifacts by Chinese players
Tribal Shelters
Participants make the most of their surroundings, using bamboo, wood, and vines to create a variety of shelters.
Photo: A vine shelter
Photo: A bamboo shelter
Photo: A UL Hot tent of HillZero
Featured Games
Classic games like the campfire lottery and the greenwood fire-making challenge are even more exciting. Players showcased their skills in the competition: some creatively used a
woodworking plane to start a fire, others relied on patience and technique to secure victory, even earning custom-made special prizes.
Photo: The campfire lottery, win a fint arrow
Photo: The greenwood fire-making challenge
Photo: Someone using a woodworking plane to process firewood
Photo: A lady blowing oxygen onto green firewood.
Photo: The champion of the challenge won a handmade Scagel knife by nooncraft.
Special Thanks To:
1：The support from Nature Valley
2：The tireless efforts of the videography team
3：All of us who took part and connected authentically with nature
Photo: The signature wall for Chinese Bushcrafter
We warmly welcome you to join us at the next China Bushcraft Show.