Dubbed China's "above-ground cultural relics museum," Shanxi is home to over 28,000 ancient structures. The province also preserves more than 12,000 painted sculptures and 24,000 square meters of murals from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) onward.

　　PRESERVED BEHIND THE GATES

　　For Yang, the new attention marks a dramatic change from the late 1990s.

　　Facing growing risks to the temple in 1997, Yang, then the village Party secretary, took responsibility for Erxian Temple and moved in with his wife.

　　The couple kept watch day and night. On one occasion, Yang's wife rushed outside with a flashlight after two people were spotted apparently chiseling through a wall, sending them fleeing.

　　No theft has occurred since Yang became its caretaker.

　　A major restoration completed in 2014 repaired the compound and revived its two-courtyard layout. Surveillance cameras were installed, giving the couple what Yang described as their first truly restful sleep in years. But the gates largely remained closed.

　　Visits by preservation experts became important opportunities for Yang. He followed them around, learning about Song Dynasty construction and the temple's rare architectural features.

　　As architecture enthusiasts began making their way to the village, Yang sometimes made exceptions to let them inside and shared what he had learned.

　　"They had come such a long way," Yang said. "Maybe they would only come once in their lives. How could I not let them see it?"

　　Over time, Yang turned himself from a guard into an unofficial guide.

　　FINDING NEW AUDIENCES

　　Years of restoration and improved security eventually made it possible for more people to see what Yang had spent decades protecting.