Welcome to the Tribe: 7th China Bushcraft Show Review

Yu yu, 15 January 2025

The 7th China Bushcraft Show brought together outdoor enthusiasts on New Year's Eve for a celebration of wilderness skills and tribal culture.

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

Highlights of the 7th China Bushcraft 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. Learn more about Wuxing (Five Elements) philosophy on Wikipedia.

Wood feeds Fire, Fire produces Earth, Earth bears Metal, Metal collects Water, Water nourishes Wood. On the other hand: Wood depletes Water, 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 Bladesmith 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. HillZero also showcased its Lightweight Hot Tent Collection at the event—perfect for bushcraft enthusiasts who want a reliable shelter in the wild.

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 flint 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.

Ready to gear up for your next outdoor adventure? Explore the HillZero Tent Collection and find your perfect shelter.