Traditional instrument Sheng maker hopes to pass torch to future generations

Mao Zhiyuan (L) guides his son Mao Guoyong in assembling Sheng in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 21, 2019. Mao Zhiyuan, 65, was born into a family with a long history in making Sheng, a traditional Chinese mouth-blown reed-pipe instrument. As the fifth generation of a Sheng-making family, Mao started to learn the craft at age 16. After years of hardwork, Mao improved the craft, giving the ancient instrument wider vocal ranges and changeable pitches. Mao's craftsmanship is recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage in Henan. He is also passing the torch to his son and hopes this traditional craft will be inherited by future generations. (Xinhua/Feng Dapeng)