Artifact protection is a family affair

Inspired by Zhao Yong's passion, his wife, Wang Xiuping, 45, joined the team. Initially drawn by the prospect of earning extra income, she soon became captivated by the world of archaeology.

"At first, I was a laborer in the ruins," Wang says. "Later, I learned how to excavate, and even mastered the techniques of restoring pottery."

Under professional guidance from the archaeologists, she learned the process over the course of two years, and has since restored hundreds of pottery artifacts, including jars and plates.