China honors master craftsmen preserving ancient artifacts and architecture

China's cultural heritage sector has recognised a group of master craftsmen for their exceptional work in restoring ancient artifacts and architecture. These specialists, honoured for their expertise, operate across different regions and disciplines—from stone carvings to ceramic repairs. Their contributions highlight both traditional techniques and modern innovations in preservation.

In East China, Xue Lingen and Jiang Qinquan focus on reviving ancient buildings, ensuring their structural and historical integrity. Meanwhile, Chen Huili, often called the 'stone carving doctor', has restored over 50,000 statues in Chongqing. Among her most notable projects is the 800-year-old thousand-armed Avalokitesvara statue.

Fang Beisong leads a team that developed new methods for restoring bamboo and wooden slips. His work has set benchmarks in handling delicate, ancient materials. In North and Northwest China, Xu Kai and Ma Yu specialise in ceramics and stone artifacts. Xu is particularly known for his 'porcelain riveting restoration technique', while Ma has repaired over 700 pieces, including key items from the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum. Some of these experts also embrace technology to enhance traditional practices. Zhang Peichen, for instance, promotes heritage conservation online, reaching over 4 million followers. Others, like Sun Liangshen, Fu Youxu, and Bai Rongjin, contribute to niche areas of cultural relic preservation, covering both movable and immovable relics. Despite their achievements, the 2025 guidelines from the National Cultural Heritage Administration and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs did not introduce new state incentives or salary regulations for such specialists.

The honoured craftsmen continue to play a vital role in safeguarding China's cultural legacy. Their work spans centuries-old statues, architectural landmarks, and fragile artifacts. While recognition grows, formal support systems for these specialists remain unchanged in the latest national policies.