Pingyao glazes a trail

Yin has sensed the market trend in which Pingyao's polished lacquerware is making inroads into modern life.

"We will work with reputable and culturally creative companies to explore more possibilities," Yin says.

The popularity and influence of Pingyao's lacquerware are on the rise, thanks to online sales and expanding overseas markets. Top lacquer artists and businesses are rich resources for development of the art, says Huo Wenzhong, director of the Pingyao Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center.

Local authorities are also hosting a lacquer festival to build a communication platform for artists from around the world. The objective is to take Pingyao's polished lacquerware further, Huo adds.

Peng Ke'er contributed to this story.