Despite its glorious past, Suzhou Xianshan Landscaper has hit a low point due to a lack of qualified successors and loss of traditional skills. The second general assembly of the Suzhou Xianshan Landscaper Ancient Architecture Association was held yesterday. Several people have become apprentices to four successors at the provincial and city level through a formal ceremony in hopes of promoting the inheritance of this intangible cultural heritage.

Provincial-level inheritors Xue Lingen and Yang Genxing, as well as city-level inheritors Zhang Xiping and Yu Wenxian, accepted their apprentices. The Suzhou Xianshan Landscaper traditional architecture construction skill is a world-class intangible cultural heritage with many classic works still in existence. “Chinese traditional wood construction encompasses Chinese typical construction skills and enjoys high international prestige,” said Gao Yungen, secretary general of the Suzhou Xianshan Landscaper Ancient Architecture Association. “As the most ancient and typical school of construction, Suzhou Xianshan Landscaper is the most abundant and complex art and craft.”

However, there is a serious brain drain of traditional construction skills. Working as a traditional craftsman is arduous and requires determination and perseverance. Many young people, afraid of hard work and unsatisfied with humble income, would rather work in cities than inherit this skill. As a result, Suzhou Xianshan Landscaper is becoming less popular.

The Suzhou Xianshan Landscaper Ancient Architecture Association was established in 2008 by technicians specializing in ancient building design and working in construction enterprises. Skillful artisans are engaged in Suzhou Xianshan Landscaper construction.