Author He Siqian spent three years interviewing and sketching dozens of craftsmen and their areas of specialization for her book Meet Craftsmen in Beijing.[Photo provided to China Daily]

She writes: "Their clothes are old and torn. The workshops are not elegant at all. But they have hope and responsibilities."

She hopes readers can better understand craftsmen and help preserve traditional techniques.

"I hope we can protect cultural genes and help them infuse modern life."

In 2015, three Rhode Island School of Design designers started a project with metal-knitter Zhou Guoli. Their traditional-but-stylish work impressed the 2015 Beijing Design Week.

She hopes to translate the book so other cultures can understand this legacy.

"These people can present a more authentic Beijing than some tourist attractions," she says.