I’ve traveled across the country, from rustic workshops in the countryside to hidden stores deep in the mountains, all in the hope of discovering those extraordinary items made with authentic heritage and uncompromised quality. But the journey has been truly challenging.

Most of what’s available in the market is poorly made, lacking soul. Even among the few that carry the badge of traditional heritage, many have cut corners in their craftsmanship—how many still honestly adhere to the ancient methods?

The places I seek may not have modern, polished facilities, but they hold generations of dedication and conviction. They don’t chase after glossy appearances but preserve the most genuine, most rooted traditions. Such perseverance has become exceedingly rare today—yet I continue the search.

Beyond intangible cultural heritage, yet surpassing it. China now has over 100,000 recognized intangible cultural heritage items. What was once scarce has now become commonplace. And many use the "ICH" label as a gimmick to attract customers and make quick profits—the number of those cashing in on the trend is beyond counting. From online platforms to brick-and-mortar stores, countless merchants claim ICH status. But how can one tell what’s truly heritage and what’s just a marketing ploy? It takes a discerning eye and a heart grounded in authenticity to see the difference.