The Temple of Guan Yu in Xiezhou, North China's Shanxi Province Photo: VCG

Across regions within the sphere of influence of Chinese culture, Guan Yu, an ancient general known for his loyalty and bravery in battles, has been widely deified and worshipped.

The Temple of Guan Yu in Xiezhou, North China's Shanxi Province, is the largest one among countless temples that worship the general across the country, and also a major historical and cultural site protected at the national level.

In 2020, a research institute studying the culture behind this folk belief in Guan Yu was inaugurated in Xiezhou, and eight graduate students were hired. 

This summer, ­researchers of the institute are compiling chronicles for the temple, and delving into the fine elements of traditional culture epitomized in the temple.

Across the country, historical and cultural heritage sites are protected and studied to discover and learn about traditional Chinese culture, amid the nation's efforts to build a modern Chinese civilization. In total, there are 5,058 major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level.

"The historical and cultural sites, bearing witness to the long history and splendid culture of the Chinese nation and carrying the genes of traditional Chinese culture, offer us rich 'spiritual nutrients' in the midst of building a modern Chinese civilization," said Gao Jiangtao, a research fellow with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

Shanxi Province, taking a fairly large proportion of the 5,058 major historical and cultural sites protected at the national level, has endeavored to train more professionals for the protection of historical and cultural sites and to cultivate enthusiasm for the antiquities of the general public.

In Shanxi, local protection work has long been plagued by understaffing. A project was launched in 2022 to enroll a total of 600 students for a span of five years, specifically for 117 localities across the province in need of protection professionals.

These students will be offered general education on relics protection during college, free of tuition, and are duty-bound to work for pre-designated employers after graduation.