Crafting a new era

From intense competition to thoughtful teaching, a new wave of craftsmen is emerging with bold ideas and refined skills.

Zhang Yupeng, a 23-year-old from Hengshui, Hebei province, spent years honing his craft before stepping onto the world stage.

"Mental strength is everything," he said, reflecting on the countless hours of practice that built his muscle memory. "Practice makes perfect. Being faster or steadier is the result of countless repetitions off the field."

At the 47th WorldSkills Competition (WSC) held in Lyon, France, last year, Zhang endured four days of grueling challenges, each demanding six hours of intense concentration and steady hands.