Cao Jianqin grinds raw materials used in Xuan paper making in his company in Jingxian County of Xuancheng, east China's Anhui Province, July 30, 2014. Cao Jianqin is a Xuan paper artisan based in Jingxian County of Anhui. The Xuan paper is a soft, fine-textured paper used in both Chinese calligraphy and painting. Cao Jianqin was born into a family with a long tradition of Xuan paper making. He started to learn the techniques of making Xuan paper from his father, when he graduated from high school in 1980. He ran his own Xuan paper company, called "Zijinlou", in 1986 and registered the trademark "Cao's" three years later. Over the years, Cao Jianqin has been devoted to the preservation and revival of the Xuan paper. His company participated in many projects which involves the renovation or restoration of ancient documents and architectures. In 2000, Cao opened his Xuan paper store in Liulichang, a street in Beijing that is known for its book stores and stationery retailers. (Xinhua/Zhu Weixi)
