A machine carves out patterns on a bamboo fan in Anji in March 2023. SHI ZINAN/CHINA NEWS SERVICE As an Anji local, Bai is well-acquainted with the long-standing role of bamboo in daily life.

“We’re all die-hard fans,” Anji said. “We’ve been following the Chiefs since we were little kids in the 80s.” Anji’s an attorney in Jefferson City. Alka arrived from ...