Lack of interest and resources putting China's ancient skills on the verge of extinction. Zhang Yuchen in Beijing reports.

Yao Fuying, a master of traditional Chinese embroidery, once had as many as 10 apprentices under his wing, each of them desperate to learn a craft that dates back centuries. Today, he has none. Not even his son has continued to learn the art.

At 67, Yao knows he is running out of time if he wants to make sure his skills do not die with him.