On Sept 7, famous Chinese archaeologist (考古学家) Fan Jinshi, 85, was awarded by UNESCO for her contribution (贡献) to the protection of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang.
Called the “daughter of Dunhuang”, her story with the caves started 60 years ago. In 1963, Fan, then a 25-year-old Peking University graduate, had the chance to work at the Mogao Caves, a place she had wanted to explore for a long time.
“Seeing Dunhuang for the first time was breathtaking. But only when truly staying here did I realize that inside the caves is a world of divine (神圣的) beauty while outside is a land of blowing sand and yellow earth,” Fan told Gansu Daily.
Back in those days, the Mogao Caves were almost completely cut off from the world. Fan and her coworkers had to live in mud houses and drink salty water. They stayed inside the caves to do research, copy murals (壁画), and do whatever they could to protect and restore them.
In 2011, after 40 years of hard work, a report on 10 Mogao Caves compiled (编写) by Fan’s team was finally published. It was known as China’s first professional report on cave archaeology, reported Gansu Daily.
As time passed, Fan found a serious problem. The increasing number of tourists visiting Dunhuang might harm the caves, causing the murals inside to fade. A solution needed to be found to preserve (保护) Dunhuang’s heritage.
In the late 1980s, Fan stumbled upon computer technology by chance. She realized that this might preserve the Mogao Caves forever. After over 30 years of exploration, the Dunhuang Academy built a digital database to protect cultural relics (文物) there, allowing Dunhuang’s art to live forever and to step out of the caves to meet the world.
“In my whole life, I’ve only done one thing: protect and promote the world cultural heritage of the Mogao Caves,” she told People’s Daily. “My heart belongs to Dunhuang.”
4. What can we learn about Fan from the article?
A.She began her work at the Mogao Caves at 23. |
B.She is a woman of great determination. |
C.Her health was affected by her hard work. |
D.She studied archaeology at Nanjing University. |
5. What was Fan’s first impression of Dunhuang?
A.The environment was terrible. |
B.It was an amazing place. |
C.The working conditions were better than expected. |
D.She felt a deep connection to the caves. |
6. What pushed Fan to establish a digital database for the Mogao Caves?
A.Her desire to promote Chinese culture. |
B.Her interest in computer technology. |
C.The need to document the restoration work. |
D.The increasing threat to the physical caves. |
7. What does Fan think of her work in Dunhuang?
A.It has been her lifelong calling. | B.It has won her recognition. |
C.It has inspired many young people. | D.It has promoted cultural exchange. |