On the sunbaked plains of the Chinese mainland's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Turpan's ancient murals whisper tales of faith, trade and artistry along the Silk Road. At the heart of this living gallery is Xu Dongliang, an artisan whose passion has driven him to spend over 30 years preserving these vibrant artworks.
A Journey from Student to Cultural Guardian
Xu first encountered the desert-edged murals as a young art student, mesmerized by colors that defied time. He returned again and again, dedicating himself to mastering traditional techniques and modern conservation methods. Today, Xu is known as a cultural guardian, combining deep respect for history with hands-on expertise.
Preserving a Priceless Legacy
- Time and the elements: Murals face erosion from wind, heat and humidity.
- Innovative conservation: Xu blends traditional pigments with modern sealants to stabilize fragile surfaces.
- Community engagement: His workshops train local residents, turning cultural preservation into a shared mission.
Xu's work not only safeguards murals that have survived over a millennium but also inspires global travelers, digital nomads and young changemakers to champion sustainable heritage tourism. His story underscores a universal truth: preserving art is preserving humanity's collective memory.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
