Guan Yu, the ancient Chinese general known for his unrivaled bravery and unwavering loyalty, is a figure held in high regard and venerated across regions deeply influenced by Chinese culture. Countless temples scattered throughout the country stand as testaments to the widespread deification and worship of this revered hero. Among them, the Temple of Guan Yu, located in Xiezhou in North China’s Shanxi Province, is the largest. This grand temple, a nationally protected historical and cultural site, epitomizes the profound respect and admiration for Guan Yu.
In 2020, a significant stride was taken toward studying the rich cultural significance underlying this folk belief in Guan Yu. The launch of a research institute in Xiezhou marked the beginning of this ambitious endeavor. Eight graduate students, specialists in their respective fields, were recruited to contribute to this initiative.
This summer, the institute’s researchers have embarked on a crucial project. They are diligently compiling chronicles for the temple and exploring the intricate elements of traditional culture embodied within this religious structure. This endeavor forms part of the broader national effort to comprehend and preserve China’s traditional culture as the nation strides toward building a modern Chinese civilization.
Currently, a staggering number of 5,058 major historical and cultural sites receive national protection, each bearing witness to the lengthy timeline and magnificent culture of the Chinese nation. These sites, acting as reservoirs of traditional Chinese cultural genes, provide invaluable ‘spiritual nutrients’ to those seeking to understand and learn from China’s past, as highlighted by Gao Jiangtao, a research fellow with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Shanxi Province, home to a significant proportion of these protected sites, has made considerable strides to cultivate professionals specializing in the protection of historical and cultural sites. This strategy is also aimed at fostering enthusiasm for antiquities among the general public. However, the protection work in Shanxi has been severely hindered by understaffing.
To tackle this challenge, an initiative was rolled out in 2022 to admit a total of 600 students over five years, specifically for the 117 localities across the province requiring protection professionals. These students will be granted a comprehensive education on relics protection during their college years, entirely tuition-free. Upon graduation, they are obligated to work for pre-assigned employers, thus ensuring the future of this vital cultural preservation work.
This commitment to protecting and studying the nation’s rich historical and cultural heritage is testament to China’s dedication to preserving its traditional roots while forging ahead to build a modern Chinese civilization. With every chronicle compiled and every site protected, the spirit of ancient China, embodied in figures like Guan Yu, is kept alive, continuing to inspire and enlighten future generations.
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