China Honors Ten Master Craftsmen Saving Its Cultural Heritage

Ten experts in cultural heritage preservation have been recognised for their outstanding contributions. The National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) led the selection to highlight their dedication and craftsmanship. These specialists work across different fields, from restoring ancient architecture to repairing delicate artefacts.

Among the honorees is Chen Huili from Chongqing, nicknamed the 'stone carving doctor'. She has restored over 50,000 statues, including an 800-year-old thousand-armed Avalokitesvara. Her work ensures that fragile historical pieces remain intact for future generations.

Ma Yu from Shaanxi Province has repaired more than 700 artefacts, including a rare set of stone armour from the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum. Xu Kai, based in Shanxi, specialises in ceramics and uses a unique 'porcelain riveting restoration technique' to mend broken pieces. Fang Beisong stands out for his innovative methods in decolorizing and dehydrating over 310,000 bamboo and wooden slips—more than 80% of the national total. Meanwhile, Zhang Peichen from Shanghai has gained a massive following of over 4 million online for his expertise in bronze restoration. Others, like Sun Liangshen from Shandong, Fu Youxu (known for Dunhuang mural restoration), and Bai Rongjin (who restored a Han Dynasty gold-thread jade burial suit), bring diverse skills to the field. Jiang Qinquan and Xue Lingen focus on preserving ancient buildings in Fujian and Jiangsu, respectively. Many of these experts blend traditional techniques with modern technology to improve conservation efforts.

The NCHA's recognition highlights the critical role these professionals play in safeguarding China's cultural heritage. Their work spans movable and immovable relics, ensuring that historical treasures survive for years to come. No specific salary incentives for such experts were outlined in the 2025 Implementation Opinion by the NCHA and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.