Carving a story of skill

The Guangling printing house is also striving to come up with new applications for the ancient craft.

"It can be used to print in a variety of traditional styles, like modern books that use old binding methods, or to reproduce ancient Chinese books for collectors," she says.

The publisher has also developed popular products, ranging from lampshades to fans, which creatively feature woodblock printing.

Chen Meiqi starts every day at Guangling sitting in front of a pile of woodblocks.

She says she plans to propagate this craft for the rest of her life — and beyond — ensuring its legacy remains inscribed across centuries past and yet to come.

"I'll do this as long as I live," she says.

"And history has shown that these works, produced with special ink and paper, will last for a thousand years."

Contact the writer at yangfeiyue@chinadaily.com.cn