Li Zhujun checks a decorative sword at his studio in Tiejiangzhuang Village of Xingtang County, Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Nov. 14, 2018. For centuries, Tiejiangzhuang Village has been famed for its skillful blacksmiths and prosperous steel making industry. Li Zhujun is one of the village's top steel makers. Based on the skills inherited from his father, Li gained an expertise in the steel-making technique "refined pattern welding", which adds complicated patterns to the swords and knives during forging. The technique has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage by the city of Shijiazhuang. In recent years, the 47-year-old blacksmith has devoted himself to the renewal of this technique. His decorative swords, thus forged with more alternative patterns, show the enhanced aesthetics and exquisite product quality. (Xinhua/Chen Qibao)
