Though bamboo craft is commonplace in Tan Jiang-yong's home county, none took the 28-year-old seriously when he returned home from university and began making bicycles out of the plant.

He was inspired to try building such a contraption himself after a friend showed him a photo of a bamboo bike online shortly after he graduated in 2011.

"It looked so unique and stylish, and I just couldn't wait to ride it," said Tan.