Mao Zuosheng, a master and inheritor of Mingxi microscopic carving, focuses on his work at a cultural heritage work exhibition in Ningde, Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mao Zuosheng, a master and inheritor of Mingxi microscopic carving, displayed his marvelous work at a cultural heritage work exhibition during the Fujian Cultural Tourism Economic Development Conference, which was held in Ningde, Fujian province from April 17 to 18.

Mao Zuosheng shows his microscopic carving works, which are of the size of a grain of rice. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mingxi microscopic carving has a history of over 200 years and is done by engraving infinitesimal patterns on stones and pieces of wood that are the size of a grain of rice. It was listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage item in 2019.

"This activity is a grand event for inheritors of the intangible cultural heritage, including me, as it provides an opportunity for us to display our skills and we can feel the country's respect for inheritors,"  Mao said.

Mingxi microscopic carving works. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mao believes that what China lacks is not craftsmen, but a universal sense of respect for them. "Having such a platform for us to showcase and perform is great encouragement for craftsmen," he said.