Even the buttons of qipao, one of the traditional Chinese garments, can make a distinct contribution to culture. [Photo/CNTV]

Shan has passed her skills on to several students and she has also put on several exhibitions on the mainland, and in Hong Kong and France. Many people, including expats, want to buy her buttons, but she says they are not for sale. She wants to keep them all together in a collection and ensure they stay in China.

"I want to develop the skill in China, because it is a very traditional Chinese handicraft. I can bring them overseas, but it will be strange for me. When I brought them to Germany, they immediately recognize it is a Chinese handicraft. So I still want to keep it in its original place," Shan said.

Shan said her goal is to establish a museum for Chinese buttons in Shanghai, her hometown.

She is not alone in trying to protect the city's cultural heritage, and her problems are not unique either. The city is worried that more than 200 of its unique handcrafts will die out as few people are willing to learn the skills, which are difficult to master and unlikely to earn a good income.