Craftsmen strike a chord

Mulberry wood is commonly used by Ayit to make the traditional stringed instruments of the Uygur people, such as tembur, satar and dutar.

"The wood has outstanding pliability, acoustic properties and natural durability," he says. "It can make a sensational sound."

Ayit, one of the fifth-generation of instrument makers in his family, became a State-level inheritor of intangible cultural heritage nine years ago. That enables him to get an annual subsidy of 20,000 yuan from the government. This money allows inheritors like Ayit to pass on their instrument making skills.

The honor also helps to promote his reputation, as well as the sales of the instruments he makes.

"I've been invited to instrument expositions in Urumqi, Hangzhou and Ningbo in Zhejiang province, and other cities across the country where I come into contact with more people who are interested in my instruments," he says.

He is now running a cooperative, with apprentices to help, and has registered a trademark for the instruments produced by the cooperative.

"Normally, a delicate tembur can be sold at a price of more than 1,000 yuan," says Ayit, whose annual income reaches 150,000 yuan.