However, the artwork has been gradually losing ground due to reasons including the changing modern function of the printing, a shortage of qualified successors and people's diversified options to furnish houses.

"The traditional artwork should redefine itself under the influence of multi-culture and shifting modern aesthetic standards," said Luo Shuwei, a historian and researcher with the Tianjin Academy of Social Sciences.

Now the Yangliuqing Woodblock Printing has become an art and is not unique to the Chinese Lunar New Year. Many collectors from nearby Beijing and Hebei Province often purchase the paintings from Wang.

Wang has six apprentices. What makes him excited is that his daughter is willing to pick up the baton to pass down the craftsmanship.

"The job is tedious and tough, with a humble income," Wang said. But he is trying to revive the age-old woodblock printing with carving chisels and woodcut knives on his hands. He added some new elements in the painting and engraved six new woodblocks last year.

"Few people use water vats to store water now as they have better living conditions. However, I cannot let this art disappear either," Wang said.

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