Zheng gained many titles at both the provincial and national levels. On Monday, he was honored as a national art worker with both talent and ethics.

"It is my honor to gain this title, and also a recognition of Putian wood carving," Zheng said. "My confidence in inheriting and passing this craft is also consolidated."

Zheng said he plans to finish the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal wood carving in three years.

"It will be a grand job and take a lot of time and energy to complete, but I am confident in my experience and skill," he said.