A set of bianzhong is displayed in a workshop of Wuhan Mechanical Technology Institute Co Ltd in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province, on December 1, 2016. [Photo by Zhu Lingqing/chinadaily.com.cn]

Liu said the company, which is weak in marketing, would not exist well if it is striped off its identity of State-owned enterprise. "I have approached many private companies in this industry and found they only care about making money. But I believe the idea of earning-quick-money machine in the cultural industry is wrong."

Liu said bianzhong, which only played in the courts of kings in ancient times, is nearly impossible to become popular. But he wants more people to understand and enjoy the beauty of it.

"Bianzhong embodies the wisdom of Chinese people and demonstrates the development of ancient science and technology. It is better to let it reach common people as a fine-sounding musical instrument rather than just lie in the museums," Liu said.

To his greatest regret, young talents willing to devote themselves to the industry are becoming fewer and fewer. "People should be inheriting such a material and spiritual wealth of mankind."