Cayol thinks both Chinese and French craftsmanship showcases a high level of technique, but in China, the skills tend more to be traditional and functional and need to develop more creatively.

Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of establishment of formal diplomatic relations between China and France, and will be the year of Sino-French cultural tourism.

"Earlier this month, I met with French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited Yishu 8 in 2018, which was the former site of the China-France University. He expressed his support for Yishu 8 and encouraged us to continue promoting cultural and artistic connections between China and France," Cayol says.