Dyeing masters discuss  their various techniques at the training session in Nantong on May 15. [Photo/IC]

A launch ceremony for traditional dyeing techniques training was held at Nantong University (NTU) on May 15.

The training session was organized by the country’s culture and tourism, education, and human resources and social security ministries.

A total of 50 inheritors of intangible cultural heritages from 14 provinces and cities -- including Beijing, Zhejiang, Hunan, Guizhou, Shandong and Jiangsu -- are currently attending the one-month training and showcasing their unique dyeing techniques. Inheritors in China are those masters officially tasked with preserving and passing on priceless cultural heritage to future generations.

Nantong is famous for its blue calico. A blue calico art research institute was established at NTU in 2008, which has contributed to the collection, protection, research and teaching of the traditional technique.