The film documents the experiences of modern rural China, particularly five social groups: students, soldiers, tradespeople, and peasants.

Du's stated goal with the film was to highlight the growing disparity between China's prosperous cities and its stagnating countryside.

The first takes place in Zhongshan, in Guangdong province at an industrial warehouse where poorly paid workers spend hours putting together umbrellas for sale.

In another part of China, in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, a successful farmer has become an entrepreneur, running an umbrella manufacturing business.

Umbrella was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 30th Cinéma du Réel International Documentary Film Festival in 2008.