For the film, Xiao interviewed more than 100 artisans, though only a dozen appear on-screen. He described the documentary as a "preface" to Suzhou's cultural riches, hoping it will inspire audiences to explore the city's deeper heritage.
Lu Liang, deputy director of the China Film Archive, said the film provides valuable visual documentation for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. The craftsmanship embodied in these traditions, he noted, reflects a spirit of perseverance passed down through generations, forming an essential part of China's cultural confidence.
