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A lifetime of commitment: Preserving

the magnificent suspended sculpture

一生情，守护悬塑绝唱

In the game “Black Myth: Wukong,” Year’s Eve reunion dinner with his family,
more than 20 scenes are inspired by the dedicating himself instead to overseeing the
ancient architecture of Shanxi, greatly en- preservation of Xiaoxitian. Wang speaks
hancing tourism in these areas, including fondly of the thousands of Buddhist statues
Xiaoxitian in Xi County, Linfen City. Orig- housed within the temple, remarking, “In
inally known as Qianfo’an (Thousand Bud- this modest hall of under 170 square meters,
dha Temple), Xiaoxitian has been home to there are more than 1,900 colorful sculp-
thousands of Buddhist statues that date back tures, each with a unique pose. It can truly
to nearly 400 years ago. be described as a ‘masterpiece of hanging
Wang Jin, a 60-year-old researcher at the sculptures,’ unlike none other.”
Xiaoxitian Suspended Sculpture Museum, According to Lu Yi, director of the
has devoted 45 years of his life to this site. Shanxi Institute for the Conservation of An-
His journey as a guardian of the suspended cient Architecture, Colored Sculpture, and
sculpture began in 1979 when he joined the Murals, the recent popularity of the game
Xiaoxitian Relics Administration. “Wukong” has significantly raised aware-
His roles have evolved from ticket seller ness of Shanxi’s ancient architecture among
to patrol inspector, photographer, relic re- a wider audience. However, he points out
searcher, monographer, and deputy director that the 27 locations featured in the game
of the Xiaoxitian Relics Administration, represent only a fraction of what Shanxi has
eventually culminating in his position as the to offer. Lu emphasizes the importance of
director of the Xixian Cultural and Tourism preservation and stresses the need for new
Bureau. Despite the many changes in his re- talent to invigorate the field for effective
sponsibilities and titles, his original mission stewardship of cultural heritage.
has remained steadfast. He has climbed the Since 2022, Shanxi has launched a free
hundreds of steps next to a turquoise lake training program for all-round cultural her-
countless times, often making several trips itage professionals, placing graduates in local
in a single day. cultural preservation institutions at or below
For Wang, rainy days are the most con- the county (city) level. “Now, those born in
cerning. Unlike other ancient structures, the 1980s are serving as deputy directors, the
Xiaoxitian is built on loess hills that are 1990s cohort is becoming core members, and
prone to erosion. Rain can quickly create the 2000s group is poised to lead some pro-
large pits, making foundation reinforcement jects. Recent Ph.D. graduates are eager to ap-
critical. During the rainy season, his worries ply for the new positions we’ve announced,”
intensify. Sometimes, when it starts to rain Lu said with optimism. He hopes to see even
unexpectedly at night, he will get up, don more young people involved in cultural herit-
rain gear, and take a flashlight to inspect the age preservation, emphasizing that building
site for potential hazards. a strong preservation workforce requires
During the Chinese New Year, Wang is an influx of young, high-level talent. This
extremely busy due to the peak season for includes not only skilled artisans but also
incense offerings by local residents. For experts in architectural history, art history,
over 40 years, he has not shared a New religious studies, and advanced technology.