But the project operators understand the emergency of their work. This year, Pan is 86, and Guo is 96.

Time has taken its toll of the energetic hearts who keep nourishing the heritage. Both Qiao and Xu passed away after the documentaries were shot. Among 115 ICH inheritors showcased in the ongoing exhibition, 16 have died.

Tian thus feels even greater significance of their job.

"People are aging fast," he says. "But memory can be everlasting. Only if their unique technique can be remembered by people, achievement of our protection can be shared."

Chinese Memory is going on. As Tian reveals, all 3,000-odd national-level inheritors of ICH will be recorded.