STEP 5: The trodden bulk is then washed.[Photo/ShanghaiDaily.com]

The retired general manager Liu says machine-made paper costs no more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,634) per ton, while Xuan paper costs between 150,000 yuan and 200,000 yuan per ton.

Several years ago, fake Xuan paper posed a great threat to the industry, but after a crackdown on fakes and anti-counterfeit labeling on authentic paper, the situation has improved.

Xing now teaches the paper-making skills to dozens of young workers and is invited regularly as a consultant by the paper group. “My students now have their own students,” he says with a smile.

A museum displaying the history of Xuan paper is being built in Jingxian, and Liu says it may open next year.