Li Yaohua skillfully engraved an auspicious cloud pattern onto a silver bracelet, using an engraving tool in his left hand and a small hammer in his right, in Xinhua village, Caohai town, Heqing county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Heqing silver craft, with a history spanning over 1,000 years, has earned a strong reputation thanks to the continued efforts of generations of local silversmiths.

Li Yaohua works on a silver handicraft in Xinhua village, Caohai town, Heqing county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Hao)

Li, a 39-year-old silversmith of the Bai ethnic group, is a provincial-level representative inheritor of the Heqing silver craft. After venturing out to study modern silver craftsmanship, he returned to his hometown to start his own business. Over more than a decade, he has trained over 60 apprentices.

After graduating from junior high school, Li accompanied his uncle—a silversmith—on trips to Sichuan and Qinghai provinces, as well as Xizang Autonomous Region, to learn silver craftsmanship. Fueled by passion and dedication, he gradually mastered the techniques and was able to complete customer orders independently by the age of 19.

When his uncle was ready to hand over the workshop, Li made a surprising decision: he gave up the established business to study modern craftsmanship in a major city, a choice that puzzled his family.

Through long-term observation, Li had realized that the overall style of the Heqing silver craft was relatively rough, particularly in the engraving process, and that there remained a significant gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern standards.

In 2008, he moved to Shanghai to study jewelry making at a silver jewelry company.

During his five years in Shanghai, Li not only broadened his horizons but also refined his skills. "Most importantly, I learned how to engrave more delicately and realistically," he said.

Apprentices learn silver craftsmanship in Li Yaohua's workshop in Xinhua village, Caohai town, Heqing county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo/Tang Li)

With his exceptional skill and commitment to learning, Li quickly stood out and became a master craftsman at the company. Still, he chose to return home to launch his own business.

In 2014, the Heqing silver craft was included in China's fourth list of national intangible cultural heritage. Heqing seized the opportunity to boost the silver processing industry, developing a 'silversmith village' centered on Xinhua village. Li embraced the chance and set up his workshop in the village.

Promoting the innovative development of the Heqing silver craft became Li's top priority after returning home.

Combining his expertise in relief carving and traditional filigree art, Li developed a technique for creating three-dimensional engraving patterns.

Since returning to his hometown, Li has earned many honors. Today, his primary focus is training the next generation of silver artisans.

How can intangible cultural heritage be better preserved and promoted? Li believes the key is to integrate Heqing silverware into everyday life. He now emphasizes designing practical items such as bowls, pots, cups, and tea sets, while also exploring new materials to modernize the craft.

To date, Heqing has 80 representative inheritors of the silver craft, including two at the national level and eight at the provincial level. In 2022, "Heqing Silversmiths" was designated a national-level labor brand, helping over 1,500 households engage in silver handicraft processing, with more than 5,600 people directly involved.

"Over the years, Heqing silverware has gained wider recognition and is now sold across China," Li said. He hopes that, through the continued dedication of future generations, the Heqing silver craft will continue to thrive.