China's Ministry of Culture on Tuesday announced a list of 550 artists honored for their contributions to the country's heritage. They were recognized for their constant efforts in carrying forward China's cultural legacies.

Artists on the list include Mongolian horse-head fiddle master Qi Baoligao, the Taiping drum player Gao Hongwei and Qunqu opera artist Zhang Jiqing, to name just a few.

Comedian Zhao Benshan was honored for "Er Ren Zhuan", a traditional song-and-dance duet popular in northeast China.

According to Ministry of Culture, artists were closely scrutinized as they had to pass several procedures, including recommendation by local government, assessment by an expert judging panel and public review.

This was the second batch of artists given the honor. In June 2007, the ministry designated 220 artists to help in the preservation of the country's cultural heritage.

(CCTV.com February 23, 2008)