Longquan sword-making technique is a national intangible cultural heritage. [Photo/lsnews.com.cn]

The technique for making Longquan swords has been inherited for more than 2,000 years, but recently there has been a breakthrough in rust prevention.

Named after its birthplace in Longquan, Lishui, East China's Zhejiang province, Longquan swords have played a significant role in Chinese and global weaponry development.

The Longquan Sword Factory Co Ltd has been committed to the research and development and technological improvement of the swords, but found the rust problem difficult to overcome.

In 2019, the factory cooperated with the Yangtze River Delta Development Research Academy for Nano Science and Technology Industry, using nano materials in swords for the first time.

According to Zhang Yesheng, principal of Longquan Sword Factory, nanotechnology can prevent rust for five to 10 years, and does not affect the sword's appearance or quality.

Longquan Sword Factory has been focusing on transformation and upgrading in recent years, with the application of nanomaterials just one aspect. In product innovation, the company also launched a kitchen knives series, expanding the consumer market for daily necessities.

In addition, Longquan Sword Factory also transformed its production area into a National Industrial Tourism Demonstration Site.