The traditional handicrafts of making Xuan paper in Xuancheng and the craftsmanship of mechanical watchmaking and art mechanics in Besancon, though rooted in two distant cities, are both inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. They reflect the shared commitment of China and France to preserving artisanal heritages.

Follow Xinhua reporters David Rouault in Xuancheng and Eleonore in Besancon to explore these precious heritages.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service