Guardian of Heritage: A Man’s Battle to Preserve a Temple

Jiaxiang Temple, located in Chixiang Village in north China’s Shanxi province, stands as a relic from the Later Zhou dynasty (951–960) and as a testament to the region’s rich Buddhist history. Today, Zhang Wancai, the temple’s dedicated conservator, plays a crucial role in its preservation amid numerous challenges.

Despite financial constraints and his ailing physicality, Zhang’s commitment goes beyond monetary reward. Earning a modest salary of 300 yuan (a bit over $40) a month, he is driven by a profound sense of duty to protect the temple’s legacy.

In his sanctuary-like study, Zhang meticulously documents the temple’s inscriptions and preserves its ancient murals. In 2021, his dedication attracted the attention of China’s Cultural Heritage Conservation body, leading to major repairs in 2022.

Looking to the future, Zhang hopes to pass on his knowledge to a successor, ensuring that the enduring legacy of Jiaxiang Temple continues to resonate through generations.

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