Editor's note: It's hard to imagine how dull the fabric of Chinese culture would be if most of the intangible cultural heritage in this country was gone. Luckily, since 2006, a total of 1,372 traditional arts, crafts and customs have been recognized as national cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. 

Thanks to the government's efforts, many more people are waking up to the significance of these forms of heritage. Now we invite you to explore the stories of some national-level inheritors who have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting heritage, a living testament to the richness and depth of Chinese culture.

1. Ji Keliang, consolidating Maotai's status as national liquor

Few would imagine China's national liquor, Maotai baijiu, was produced in a small, simple workshop back in the early 1960s when Ji Keqiang, a fresh college graduate, was sent to work there.

A native from East China's Jiangsu province, Ji has spent his lifetime transforming the workshop into a sophisticated production facility and modernizing the techniques of Maotai distillation, making the liquor an indispensable part of countless state banquets and truly the drink of China. 

Click here to watch the documentary about Ji's story with Maotai.