Spirit of vitalization

"Besides ancient methods, we also paid attention to waterproofing techniques to tackle potential downpours in the future," Li says.

Based on the Yingzao Fashi (State Building Standards), the oldest extant Chinese technical manual on buildings published in 1103, the experts agreed on seven methods to protect roofs against harsh weather, which also provided guidance to the restoration.

As a consultant and supervisor, 73-year-old Si Choufu from Zezhou county is passionate about the restoration of ancient buildings. In the late 1970s, when the carpenter was in his 20s, he visited the temple and was astonished by its carved corridors and dougong (interlocking wooden brackets) roofs.

He pondered ways of stopping moss and grass from growing on the roofs and finally remembered that in the past, lime was used in roof repairs, but that it was rarely used anymore. Si decided to give it a try.

His hunch proved correct when after adding lime to repair materials, grass and moss no longer grew on the roofs.

Bai views the restoration of ancient artifacts as a race against time, and feels that if they are not properly protected in time, some exceptionally valuable treasures may be lost.

As a province with one of the biggest troves of ancient architecture in China, Shanxi is committed to the restoration and protection of these structures. In 2008, as part of the national cultural relics' 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10), 105 ancient edifices built before the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) in southern Shanxi were restored. In 2017, the province launched an experimental program enabling enterprises to "adopt "ancient buildings and support their daily maintenance.

With many heritage sites scattered across the province's remote areas, which are not rated, experts say that threats from natural disasters like torrential rain are accelerating their disappearance.

Contact the writers at wangqian@chinadaily.com.cn