CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Recently, the first domestically produced 3A game, Black Myth: Wukong, made a stunning debut and has been embraced by gamers worldwide. Among the rock carvings of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing, sculptures such as the Thousand-hand Guanyin, the Western Pure Land Transformations of Baoding Mountain, were put into the game scenes, showcasing the unique charm of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. In addition to these well-known grotto sculptures, there are hundreds more grottoes scattered in the countryside. Although located in remote areas, they have long been protected by a group of unsung guardians – volunteer cultural relics preservationists, most of whom are local farmers. For decades, they have quietly safeguarded these cultural treasures.

Since the first sound of carving during the Yonghui Period of the Tang Dynasty, the sound of chiseling the Dazu Rock Carvings has been heard for over a thousand years. The carvings mainly depict Buddhist themes but also include Confucian and Taoist statues. In 1999, the Dazu Rock Carvings were selected as a World Cultural Heritage site, becoming China’s second rock grotto heritage site after Dunhuang. This recognition from the world led to the saying, “Dunhuang in the North, Dazu in the South.”

To protect the grottoes scattered in the countryside from vandalism, theft, and other damage, the former Dazu Rock Carvings Art Museum (now the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings) began recruiting volunteer cultural preservationists in 1986 to guard the carvings, providing them with subsidies. Huang Guanghua (left) and Zhong Gaoran (right), both over 60 years old, who are cousins, have lived next to the Thousand Buddha Cliff Rock Carvings for years and known these sculptures very well since they were very young.

Along the quiet mountain path, you will eventually reach the Thousand Buddha Cliff Rock Carvings. Without a local guide, it is almost impossible for outsiders to find this place. However, whenever visitors come, Huang and Zhong often serve as their guides.

To prevent the carvings from being damaged, the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings has fenced off the area with more than 100 meters of wire mesh and installed surveillance cameras. The weeds around the carvings have been cleared up by Huang and Zhong.

As time has passed, the two brothers' hair has turned gray, yet the carvings remain as they have always remembered them. “These carvings have been passed down from generation to generation, and we hope they will continue to be passed down from our hands,” said Huang Guanghua.

Near their seventies, Li Gaoming and Liu Yuzhen, an elderly couple, have lived next to the Laojun Temple Rock Carvings for over 40 years. "We always think about this place and come to check on it every morning," said Liu Yuzhen.

Liu recalled that she began taking care of the carvings two or three years after she got married. Their daily routine includes cleaning the area at around 7 a.m. and taking a walk around the site, an integral part of their lives.

In their leisure time, the couple sits at their doorstep, chatting. Li Gaoming told the reporter that the site used to be exposed to the elements, and rainwater would flow down the cliff during heavy rains. Now, the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings has built a protective structure for the carvings, offering better preservation.

The Chenjiayan Rock Carvings have also been sheltered with a houses built along the cliff in recent years. Wang Xuebao, 75 years old, has been guarding this site for 18 years. Before the house was built, he lived in a simple shack next to the carvings, with only a mat and a quilt.

Previously, many people would come here to burn incense and pray, causing inevitable damage to the carvings. As a cultural preservationist, Wang stayed here to protect them. Although his family urged him to sleep at home, he insisted on staying to ensure their safety.

"Sometimes, when it rained at night, I would suddenly wake up from a dream, clutch my quilt, and move closer to the carvings to shelter from the rain. It's much better now, with a house built and even a resting area beside it," Wang Xuebao said while laughing, adding that his 50-year-old son will take over when he is too old to walk.

Guarding these carvings is a form of family relay. Luo Kaihong, who lives in Fozu Village, took over the responsibility of protecting the Fozu Cliff Rock Carvings from his father, who had quietly safeguarded them for over 30 years before passing away. Luo has been on the duty for nearly ten years.

Currently, in Dazu, Chongqing, there are over 70 volunteer cultural relics preservationists, many of whom, like Luo Kaihong, have take over the task of guarding the carvings. Over time, this generational relay has allowed these millennia-old carvings to shine brightly before the world. (Translated by Jane, Fathom Language Limited)