Protection takes precedence
To safeguard thousands of historical structures, villages and authorities work to renovate and transform heritage, Xu Lin reports in Shangrao, Jiangxi.
Zhan Xiangyun, 62, uncle of director Zhan Jianchun, recalls participating in the second national census in the 1980s. As a novice, he worked with his late father Zhan Yongxuan to visit villages by bus and on foot, gathering valuable clues, painting architectural drawings by hand, and collecting artifacts from villagers for the local museum.
"No matter the task, give it your all. Whatever the role, perform it with excellence," says Zhan Xiangyun, who also joined the third national census conducted from 2007 to 2011. He is now a member of the county's team for the fourth national survey, guiding young people with his rich experience.
"I've witnessed tremendous changes over the decades. Our working conditions and equipment are much better and the locals' awareness of cultural heritage conservation has greatly improved."
