Blacksmith Li Zhujun, best known for creating riffled-iron swords, demonstrates this traditional technique in his studio in Xingtang, North China's Hebei province, on July 7. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xingtang county, located in North China's Hebei province, is known for the time-honored handicraft of blacksmithing. Li Zhujun, a 49-year-old craftsman living in the Zhuang village in Xingtang, has studied the technique of creating riffled-iron swords. The traditional heritage was listed among Hebei Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019. Until now, Li has invented over 10 patterns on iron swords.