At the recently opened 18th Livestock Products Trade Fair in Nagqu City, a unique electric spinning machine caught the attention of many people. With a simple structure, consisting of a spool, a power source, and a foot pedal, it boasts automated spinning and winding functions, making it the "star attraction" of the fair.

Its creator is 29-year-old herdsman Tsewang Choebe from Zaren Town, Amdo County, Nagqu City.

Growing up in the pastoral area where his family has herded for generations, Tsewang Chobe often tinkered with daily pastoral tools alongside adults. He understood well the toil of spinning: "Whether weaving tents or making Tibetan carpets, you must first twist yak or sheep wool into yarn and wind it into balls. It’s time consuming, labor intensive, and inefficient."

"If I could create a labor saving spinning tool, it would save a lot of time." With this idea, Tsewang Chobe immersed himself in his "invention dream."

In 2021, he developed his first generation hand-cranked spinning machine. "Compared to purely manual spinning, this machine could double the daily output. But it still relied on hand power, and I felt there was room for improvement."

Not satisfied, Tsewang Chobe continued to upgrade the machine. In 2022, he introduced the second generation electric spinner. "It could twist yarn automatically, doubling efficiency again compared to themanual version. But it had a high skill threshold, you had to master the machine's direction and speed, so that making it difficult to use."

Identifying the flaws gave direction for improvement. In 2023, the third generation electric spinner, designed like a sewing machine, was launched. It could be operated with coordinated hand-foot movements, but new issues emerged: the machine's interfaces wore out quickly, resistance was high, efficiency gradually dropped with prolonged use, and its lifespan was short.

Through repeated trials and adjustments, Tsewang Chobe finally perfected the fourth generation electric spinning machine this year. This time, he installed bearings at key joints, which both supported the rotational force of the spool and reduced friction. The machine's daily spinning output now equals a full week's worth of manual spinning. It has been warmly welcomed by local herders since hitting the market.

From hand-cranked to electric, from laborious to effortless, the four generations of spinning machines invented by Tsewang Chobe are born from life and serve life. They have not only woven higher efficiency into pastoral production but also woven a picture of an ordinary herdsman's courage to dream, dare to act and innovate. With his hands and perseverance, he has quietly connected ancient skills with modern life, bringing new possibilities to grassland husbandry.

Reporter: Wan Jing, Zhao Shubin

Translator: Dan Zhen, Zhi Xinghua

Review: Hu Rongguo, Li Chengye