PandaPrank's first visit to Dali, Yunnan, led to a deep dive into the history and craftsmanship of traditional tie-dye techniques, where we met Lan Xu.

In Yunnan, we discovered the unique, vivid, and dynamic beauty of tie-dye, which goes beyond industrial standards. In Zhou Cheng, we witnessed a village that retains its distinct individuality—a place that, while part of the modern world, remains an unknown frontier of industrial civilization.

A special edition tie-dye sneaker, "Cangshan Snowfall," brings PandaPrank closer to Yunnan. To preserve the heritage of ancient villages, PandaPrank initiated a three-year "Isatis Root Planting Project," acquiring a plot of land in Zhou Cheng dedicated to growing Isatis roots. Using the 24 solar terms as markers, we document the changes at the planting site, observing the cycle of nature through the seasons.

Tie-dye, an ancient handcraft, transcends changing aesthetics, always revealing a sense of purity and timeless beauty. Traditionally, dyes were sourced from plants found in nature. A seed, from soil to sunlight and rain, grows into lush, mature leaves. When held close, one can inhale the natural scent imbued with the essence of time. A piece of plain fabric undergoes twisting and tying, before being soaked in a dye vat—this meticulous process creates elegant, hand-dyed textiles that dry under the clear sky.

Every step of the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, with weather, vitality, and human effort all playing crucial roles. These complex handicrafts symbolize the spirit of craftsmanship from a bygone era and are all the more precious today.

“Cangshan's nineteen peaks, each with its own stream; Dali’s three thousand households, each with a loom, and every home has a dye vat.”

Located 23 kilometers north of Dali Old Town, there lies a village nestled at the foot of the Yunlong Peaks, surrounded by the vast Erhai Lake to the east, Cangshan Mountain to the west, and the Butterfly Spring to the north. Tie-dyeing is a skill many locals possess. As time passes, the essence of this place remains unchanged—its Bai ethnic architecture, with its unique designs like "One Lane, One Ear," "One Lane, Two Ears," "Three Lanes, One Wall," and "Four Courtyards, Five Skylights," is preserved in its entirety. Along with this, the traditional Isatis root tie-dye craftsmanship remains intact. The Bai people live harmoniously with nature, deeply nurturing their love for plants, and are willing to spend seasons, even years, to make a single indigo dye bloom.

Does slowing down inevitably mean falling behind? PandaPrank’s answer is, "Slowing down is a form of progress." Though the ancient craft of tie-dyeing has retreated into the background, a few artisans still stand at the crossroads of time’s changes, keeping the tradition alive. We are committed to preserving the intangible heritage of these villages, helping small sparks of light merge into an eternal flame.

Since 2023, our journey of over 1,000 kilometers has led us into a bond with tie-dyeing that has lasted more than 700 days. Embracing the indigo that connects us to nature, we continue to explore sneaker reinterpretation with greater steadiness and depth. In this fast-paced world, we choose the slowest route, waiting for 500 days, marked by countless farming cycles, to carry out this project. It may seem "clumsy," requiring several times the effort, but this is the path PandaPrank has chosen with utmost conviction—to explore, experience, and create in the slowest way possible. This is our opportunity for true creation.

Partnering with Peak for the second time is PandaPrank's tribute to Zhou Cheng, and Zhou Cheng’s second gift to PandaPrank, as we continue to amplify Eastern stories and introduce the indigo hue of Yunnan skies to the world. This collaboration marks a renewed effort to promote the beauty of intangible heritage through art in sneakers.

While tending to the land, the brand also nurtures the heart. This plot of Isatis root farmland is a reflection of the land in the hearts of many—a place where we plant what we believe in. Whether it's peaches, plums, or spring breezes, it doesn’t matter as long as we remove the weeds and patiently tend to it, knowing that harvest will come in due time.

The three-year "Isatis Root Planting Project" has already passed two years. Along the way, we've encountered countless difficulties, joys, and gratitude. Perhaps this path will lead us further, perhaps it will turn into six years, and maybe we can do even more. PandaPrank will always stay true to the values it believes in. In an era that glorifies speed, the luxury of slowing down, not resisting time, and not worrying about being niche is a gift. We do it for what’s worth doing and for not wasting the generosity of nature. We don't question when we’ll return or how far we’ll go. PandaPrank’s natural mission has never wavered—its exploration and help make the brand more grounded and confident.

PANDAPRANK teams up again with Peak, a renowned domestic sports brand, to launch the Tie-Dye Limited Edition Sneakers:

"YUN DYEING" Indigo Yun dyeing—A fusion of nature and craft

The "YUN DYEING" sneakers are crafted using Isatis roots grown in PandaPrank's own planting field. The indigo dye is applied to the upper fabric of the classic Peak sneakers. PandaPrank’s unique design language integrates the relaxed feel of the original sneaker with a contemporary, fashionable visual, reflecting the natural beauty of plant-based dyes.

"Handmade Tie-Dye, Asymmetrical Beauty" PandaPrank respects the beauty and tradition of heritage craftsmanship. Each sneaker features hand-dyed fabric by artisans from Zhou Cheng Village, using Isatis root dye. The fabric undergoes repeated dyeing, resulting in a unique, hand-dyed finish that forms the heart of each pair of shoes.

"Natural Forces, Seasonal Beauty" The sneaker’s heel features embroidery representing the 24 solar terms, symbolizing the deep fusion of nature and humanity. The ancient practice of solar terms connects time and existence, influencing our sense of time and life’s cycles. PandaPrank planted the seeds in early summer and harvested the results in the autumn equinox. This respect for time is embedded into the sneaker, enriching it with cultural depth.

"Creative Vision, Reimagined Sneakers" With a focus on the duality of city and nature, PandaPrank embarked on designing a sneaker that embodies both. By blending natural softness and wild energy, traditional elements and modern environments, "YUN DYEING" emerged as a product that bridges the past and future.