Traditional culture given a modern twist

"We have preserved the intricate and meticulous traditional water milling process, which is all done by local artisans, but have integrated it with a modern incense burner," Wang said.

The burner is portable, and a dozen different types of incense can be placed in it.

"We found that many young consumers are drawn to this delicately designed incense burner to buy products, which in turn could help promote intangible culture," Wang said.

In December, the Yuxun program launched a second creative project that aims to re-create eight imperial handicrafts, including enamel, gold lacquer inlay, and filigree inlay, as well as collections at the Beijing Arts and Crafts Museum.

The program will last for four months and candidates are encouraged to send their artworks for review. The finalists, who will be announced in March, will receive support from the program for further development.