Winners of the Hangzhou Craftsman award have their pictures displayed at the Hangzhou Craftsman Works Exhibition. [Photo by Zhang Xiaoyan/zjol.com.cn]

In celebration of the first National Craftsmanship Day, the Hangzhou Federation of Trade Unions hosted a cultural festival and awarded 30 craftsmen to encourage innovation and craftsmanship on Sept 26.

More than 300 people at an average age of 46 years old competed to become this year's Hangzhou Craftsman. They specialized in over 10 professional fields, including digital economy, high-end manufacturing, modern services, architecture, traditional craft skills, medicine, education and culture.

According to Zhou Jiangyong, Party chief of Hangzhou, well-qualified craftsmen made great contributions to Hangzhou's high-quality development. The city will emphasize the cultivation of craftsmen and provide them with a better working environment. The craftsman spirit is a part of Hangzhou's culture and will help to promote innovation and push forward Hangzhou's New Manufacturing Plan.

The 30 winners will receive an award of 50,000 yuan ($7,006) and some will be granted the Hangzhou May 1st Labor Medal.