By tf-lawyer.com Wang Tao, the head of the Cultural Heritage Protection Center in Huade County, Inner Mongolia, has dedicated the last ten years of his life to safeguarding the area’s historical sites. Each month, he conducts multiple inspections of the Yumin site, monitoring any changes in the site and its surrounding environment.
As autumn sets in, Wang has faced new challenges. Recently, the gate of a four-year-old fence has become difficult to close due to shifting terrain. Utilizing some wire he found nearby, he adjusted the gate himself.
The Cultural Relics Protection Law outlines that local governments are responsible for preserving cultural heritage within their jurisdictions. In Huade County, the Cultural Heritage Protection Center operates at the grassroots level. Wang has held his position for a decade, spending over half of each year traversing mountains and fields to patrol sites and engage with local villagers.
“Our primary task, as defined by our responsibilities, is supervision,” explains Wang, who transitioned from a role in the county’s cultural office focused on stage design to the protection center in 2012. “In the early years, we often lacked specialized personnel, but the situation has improved. Last year, we even managed to recruit a graduate with a degree in archaeology.”
Wang emphasizes that their daily efforts primarily revolve around inspecting sites. “Huade County lacks ancient architectural structures; our historical sites are predominantly earthworks,” he adds, referring to two prominent sites: the Jin dynasty military defense project, Jin Jie Hao, and the Neolithic early Yumin site, both of which hold national and regional cultural significance.
In addition to these sites, Huade County boasts a collection of over 300 cultural artifacts, including more than 200 ancient coins and two classified as national-level items. Most of these are stored in underground facilities, making them relatively low-maintenance. Wang humorously notes the limitations they face: “With so few artifacts, we don’t even have a proper exhibition room. Whenever we want to hold an exhibit, we have to borrow space.”
Recently, I accompanied Wang on a field inspection to witness the realities faced by grassroots cultural heritage workers. The Jin Jie Hao stretches over 6,000 kilometers, with 63.5 kilometers winding through Huade County. Each week, Wang and his team patrol the earthen walls multiple times. Thankfully, improvements in transportation mean they can now use drones instead of trekking on foot.
“We often say that inspections are the crux of our daily work,” Wang comments. After a decade in this role, he has developed a keen awareness of construction vehicles; seeing one immediately prompts him to voice concerns about potential damage to surrounding sites. “The damage to earthworks is nearly irreversible, and many segments of Jin Jie Hao are located in high-traffic areas near factories, mines, and villages.”
As he travels through eight villages along the Jin Jie Hao, Wang recognizes nearly every villager he encounters. He frequently stops to chat and gather updates. “We also have a volunteer patrol program for Jin Jie Hao, with one volunteer from each village,” he shares.
When it comes to the Yumin site, which was filled in after archaeological excavations in 2018, Wang remains vigilant, stopping by regularly. The local cultural and tourism bureau recently erected a sign showcasing the archaeological findings, and Wang can’t help but share his excitement each time he visits.
“The archaeological teams are the ‘national team,’ and the core responsibilities fall to outside experts. Our role as grassroots staff is to provide support and facilitate communication, ensuring everything runs smoothly,” Wang explains, recalling how many local villagers participated during the excavation. “This instilled a strong sense of pride and awareness about the importance of cultural preservation, inspiring many to become active advocates for it.”
“Connecting with the community is key to grassroots cultural heritage work,” Wang reflects. He emphasizes that culture is made by people, and safeguarding it depends on people. “Technology and equipment are constantly evolving, but with just eight or nine people in our department, it’s impossible to protect all of Huade’s cultural relics alone.”
To amplify their impact, Wang and his team regularly engage in outreach activities. They distribute pamphlets and conduct community education programs during holidays. During major events, they seize the opportunity to promote awareness with banners and flyers. “In the past, many villagers were unaware of the laws and policies. But now, there’s a notable increase in awareness; they often reach out to us if they notice something unusual.”
Recently, Wang and his colleagues have been conducting field surveys for the fourth national cultural relics census, documenting the quantity, distribution, characteristics, preservation status, and environmental conditions of immovable cultural relics in the area. “This is what grassroots cultural protection work looks like—no glamour, just the daily grind of tasks that require persistence and dedication. We understand the weight and significance of what we do,” he concludes.
