Artifact protection is a family affair

Since shouldering this responsibility, Zhao Yong has diligently patrolled the site — spending up to three hours at a time inspecting the ruins.

His work includes reviewing surveillance footage for anomalies and conducting meticulous on-site inspections.

He documents key areas, records their condition on his cellphone, and shares his updates with cultural heritage authorities.

In 2016, a formal archaeological excavation of the ancient city began.