In 1979, Wang Yuxiang, who is now a representative inheritor of Nantong kesi, began researching and revitalizing Nantong kesi. Since then, this technique has rebounded in popularity.

Wang established the Xuanhe kesi studio for promoting the technique of Nantong kesi. His two children also have been involved in preserving the artform since 1996.

"We hope that through our efforts, more people will know about and appreciate kesi," said Wang.

In 2009, Nantong kesi, as part of Chinese sericulture and silk weaving techniques, was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In January 2016, Nantong kesi was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Jiangsu province.