Huang Daopo

Huang Daopo was born in Wunijin (now Huajin Town in Shanghai). She was the famous cotton weaving expert and technological reformer between the end of the Song Dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty.

In the mid-13th century at the end of the South Song Dynasty, Huang Daopo wandered about on the Hainan Island, where cotton was widely planted and the weaving technology was much better than that in the inland. Huang Daopo was accepted by local people and after hard practice for 30 years she completely grasped advanced textile technology. In about 1295, Huang Daopo returned to her hometown.

Huang Daopo brought back advanced textile technology and improved the third critical process of cotton textile. Through field research, she invented treadle driven thri-spindle spinning wheel which was the most advanced weaving machine in the world at that time. In context, Huang Daopo added her own design to many details. Her textile technology wove cloth not only quickly but also well. Wunijin became a famous brand known to the world.

The invention of Huang Daopo made cotton cloth good cloth at low price, which was no long luxury only for people from upper class. From then on people changed their dressing customs and cotton textiles became the main wearing articles for the later generations.