For 38 years, Pan Haiyuan has been crafting wooden molds essential to make local delicacies, such as glutinous rice cakes and mooncakes, in Xiamen City of east China's Fujian Province.

The craftsmanship, including carving complex patterns of auspicious animals in the Chinese culture on different shapes of wood, has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage of the city.

But Pan has now found himself in a predicament as machines have swept the market, replacing his handmade molds. The craft, which used to bring guests from thousands of miles away, now cannot even sustain Pan's family. 

Eager to preserve this tradition, Pan has been trying to find some apprentices, which has proven difficult, too, as the learning process is too long, too tedious and not profitable enough for today's young people.

CGTN spoke to Pan to learn more about his story. Watch the video to see the craftsman's journey.

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Yin Yating)