I worked at the Yungang Grottoes, focusing on the daily protective maintenance of this significant World Cultural Heritage site and providing on-site explanations to visitors. My weekly routine included: • Monday: Conducting site inspections during the closure, monitoring the condition of the cultural relics, and documenting any anomalies. • Tuesday to Thursday: Leading scheduled tours for visitor groups, explaining the history and significance of the Yungang Grottoes. • Friday: Attending meetings to analyze weekly visitor data and participating in training sessions to improve tour services. During the second and third weeks, I participated in the protective restoration of Cave 17, focusing on documenting and repairing cracks in the cave walls. This project aimed to preserve the structural integrity of the grottoes while maintaining their historical authenticity. I applied knowledge from my Building Pathology course, particularly in understanding how environmental factors like air, humidity, and temperature interact with the physical properties of cultural relics. This was crucial in analyzing the causes of cracks in the Yungang Grottoes’ stone walls. Additionally, I used this knowledge to experiment with materials for repairing these cracks, ensuring that the chosen materials would not adversely affect the relics’ appearance or integrity.
During my internship, I became proficient in documenting and repairing structural issues within historic sites, particularly in the use and optimization of preservation materials. For example, my team initially experimented with plexiglass for surface consolidation and grouting on weathered cave walls, but after observing an unintended color change, we adjusted the materials to better suit the site. This hands-on experience significantly enhanced my practical skills in heritage conservation, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Additionally, I improved my ability to effectively communicate complex historical and cultural information to a diverse audience, which also strengthened my public speaking skills. Besides, by presenting historic information to the audience help me to better understand and memorize the knowledge of the site. I had the opportunity to work closely with experts in cultural heritage conservation, particularly those specializing in the preservation of stone structures and repairing materials. This allowed me to gain insights into advanced techniques and expand my professional network within this specialized field. The weekly meetings and training sessions provided valuable opportunities for professional development, enabling me to better understand visitor engagement and site management.
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