Jia Gengxin demonstrates Yangquan Xiangta during the first National Vocational Skills Competition in Guangzhou. [Photo/yqnews.com.cn]

The Yangquan Xiangta -- an ancient technique of copying Chinese calligraphy artworks which has been passed down through the generations in Yangquan city -- was recently recognized as one of the top 10 Chinese stunts at the first National Vocational Skills Competition on Dec 13.

It was the only traditional skill selected from North China's Shanxi province in the competition -- held in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province -- which took place on Dec 10- 13.  

Jia Gengxin shows examples of Yangquan Xiangta. [Photo/yqnews.com.cn]

Traditional Yangquan Xiangta needs to outline Chinese words first and then fill in the words with ink. It was recognized as being part of Shanxi's provincial intangible cultural heritage in 2017. 

At the on-site demonstrations of 20 Chinese skills, Jia Gengxin -- a fourth-generation successor of Yangquan Xiangta -- won the support and praise of experts, journalists, business representatives, the audience and netizens with his superb skills. 

Jia said that he would continue to pass on and promote the intangible cultural heritage and hoped that more calligraphy enthusiasts would continue in the calling.