Public appeals to protect cultural relics

The protection of cultural heritage has previously encountered challenges and costs, but officials believe private capital can help solve the problem of insufficient investment. In 2017, Shanxi province issued a plan to encourage members of the public to protect and restore cultural relics.

"Shanxi made clear provisions for the scope, procedures … and  clarified clauses on the repair and use of cultural relics," said Ren Hongmin, chief of the cultural relics management department of Taiyuan cultural heritage bureau.

Liu Jianyue, who has loved ancient architecture since childhood, is one of the first cultural relic "adopters" in Taiyuan who were appointed soon after the provincial plan was issued. 

Liu applied to repair and for the 30-year right to use the Tianwang Temple in local Zhaojiashan Village. Built in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it previously lacked restoration due to a shortage of funds. With an investment of 1.2 million yuan ($169,580), Liu started restoration in 2017 and completed it in three years. 

The renovated Tianwang Temple is currently a venue for calligraphy and painting exhibitions, lectures on Chinese studies, and exhibitions on the construction of ancient architecture. These events aim to inform and educate people about ancient buildings and cultural relics and attract more to participate in cultural heritage protection, according to Liu.

So far, five sites have been claimed and restored by individuals and social organizations in the city.