He Zhilong, a wood carving expert, draws in his home in Rugao, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account of One Day for Nantong Locals]

Diaohua, which means carving patterns on wood, is a decorative craft commonly used in home decorations, windows, furniture and even buildings.

In the 1970s, an exquisitely carved bed was a must for newlyweds in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. The popularity of such item was what convinced He Zhilong to enter the business. He has since been a wood carver for more than 50 years.

Because of to his talent and hard work, He was selected to restore cultural relics in the Palace Museum in Beijing in the 1970s, an enormous recognition for a man who was only in his 20s.

A wood carving work by He Zhilong at his home. [Photo/WeChat account of One Day for Nantong Locals]

"My eyesight is getting poor, but even this cannot stop me from carving wood," said the 75-year-old.

Years of practice have left his hands rough and calloused, and his skills polished.

Despite his poor eyesight, He has created several exquisite works in his spare time. They include carvings of fairy cranes, butterflies, and a scenery of the local Shuihui Garden.

With machinery increasingly preferred over human labor for the production of diaohua, it is difficult to find woodcarving craftsmen like He today.

He said that he is worried this ancient technique will be lost forever. In the meantime, the man is insistent that he will devote the rest of days to preserving its charm.