Building on a legacy

Embracing the future

In August, when President Xi visited the Mogao Caves, he pointed out that Dunhuang culture is a result of lasting communication and exchanges between different civilizations. He emphasized the importance of understanding the philosophy, humanity, values and morals of these civilizations to enhance people's cultural confidence.

Fan was the president's guide then.

"The new era has placed greater demands on us stewards of cultural heritage," Fan says.

"We have to keep overcoming new challenges and embrace the future … World Heritage Site is not just a title for the Mogao Caves. My dream is to make it a cultural treasure with a spirit that is commonly shared by all mankind."

Liu Yuzhu, director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, says: "Today's great achievements at Dunhuang can be attributed to the generations of 'Mogao people', who have continuously endeavored to overcome difficulties and keep going. Fan Jinshi is the outstanding representative of them.

"Fan's strong faith in her country and her career, her unstoppable creativity in her work, and her unwavering pursuit of the truth by taking a practical approach needs to be learned by every cultural heritage conservationist," Liu says.