Octogenarian Guo Xiangying was recently honored as one of Chongqing's Top 10 Inspirational Figures for more than five decades of dedication to preserving and promoting the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Octogenarian Guo Xiangying was recently honored as one of Chongqing's Top 10 Inspirational Figures for more than five decades of dedication to preserving and promoting the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Dazu Rock Carvings comprise 144 grottoes, 50,000 statues, and 100,000 inscriptions that reflect the Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist influences that flourished from the early Tang Dynasty (618-907) to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is considered an essential part of the history of cave art in China, and was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999.
Octogenarian Guo Xiangying was recently honored as one of Chongqing's Top 10 Inspirational Figures for more than five decades of dedication to preserving and promoting the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The 87-year-old Guo's lifelong passion for these cultural treasures began in 1960 when he was a teacher. His passion for the carvings caught the attention of officials at the local cultural relics protection bureau, who invited him to join their efforts in safeguarding the historical sites.
In the early days, Guo's commitment to cultural preservation was tested by harsh conditions on Mount Beishan, where he lived without running water or electricity. Undeterred, he meticulously documented the carvings with detailed drawings under the dim light of a kerosene lamp.
Octogenarian Guo Xiangying was recently honored as one of Chongqing's Top 10 Inspirational Figures for more than five decades of dedication to preserving and promoting the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
His dedication culminated in a scroll as long as two buses that captured the carvings' intricate aesthetic and historical value. The scroll would go on to contribute to the site earning UNESCO status.
In 1990, Guo founded the Dazu Rock Carvings Museum, which now employs hundreds of researchers.
Octogenarian Guo Xiangying was recently honored as one of Chongqing's Top 10 Inspirational Figures for more than five decades of dedication to preserving and promoting the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Even after retirement, Guo remains entrenched in cultural preservation. He continues his mission by producing educational videos and participating in the restoration of cultural relics. In 2024, he was honored as one of the first "Guardians of the Dazu Rock Carvings". In this role, he has trained over 700 local primary school students to become little tour guides. These students have collectively volunteered for over 120 presentations, reaching more than 5,000 visitors and ensuring the carvings' legacy is shared with a wider audience.
