The shop of master Zhu Bingren, full of copper products. [Photo/WeChat account: hzyy2022]

Thirty heads of professional skill master studios in the commerce and trade industry recently engaged in a brainstorming session to explore innovative solutions for preserving and improving their craftsmanship.

The heads, drawing from their personal experiences, discussed the essence of preserving artistry from various perspectives.

The craftsmen have leveraged their studios to pass on their knowledge and practices, including copper sculptor Zhu Bingren, who spent decades honing his craft, making copper products a part of thousands of households; photographer master Fang Xiang, who inherited his father's business and transitioned from commercial to humanistic photography; and tea art master Ni Xiaoying, who developed a deep understanding of tea and shared her knowledge with the younger generation.

The studios have also played a unique role in industry innovation by collaborating with local enterprises.

A copper artwork created by master Zhu Bingren for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou, resembling Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, one of the 10 renowned scenic sites of West Lake. [Photo/WeChat account: hzyy2022]

Dong Shunxiang, a culinary master and general manager of the Zhiweiguan Restaurant, leads a studio team and has created a number of Hangzhou-style dishes such as Chicken Gravy Silver Cod, which are closely followed by local foodies. Jiang Lingxia, a master in traditional Chinese medicine, has led a young team to develop numerous new products such as health products with a snack-like taste, beauty and skincare products infused with herbal medicine, and nourishing and satisfying seasonal medicinal cuisine.

An official from the Hangzhou municipal bureau of commerce said that Hangzhou's rapid development has introduced new topics and motivations for the craftsmen. Their studios will continue to be developed into an incubator of masters and artisans, contributing to the high-quality development of the city's commerce and service industry.