Heroes of the past

With a long history and rich cultural splendors, ancient China provided the world with an uninterrupted linage of civilizations lasting for millennia that still inspire to this day.

Thanks to cultural relics, the key events that influenced the destiny of a dynasty, or breathtaking moments capturing people's daily happiness or, indeed, sullenness, seem to come to life in front of our very eyes.

Nonetheless, though we admire and are astounded by the relics, we can hardly neglect the fact that time has taken its toll on them — be it porcelain shards, fading murals, or weedy roofs on ancient temples.

Fortunately, time also witnessed the dedication and diligence of those who have painstakingly kept the past alive and relevant. Their devotion is often counted in generations. Behind the scenes of shining museum exhibits, these are the people who wipe the dust of ages from the artifacts, and bring a second life or existence to items that are silent observers of history.