The two Zhangs at an excavation site. [Photo/China Daily]

By delving deeper into the project, the director feels more respect for those who are dedicated to the preservation, restoration and research of the relics at Dunhuang, an area with a total of 45,000 square meters of murals and more than 2,400 sculptures spread throughout in its 735 caves.

"Dunhuang is a place of magic. For those who once planned to work here temporarily, maybe for a few years before moving to bigger cities, many are totally fascinated by the site and have decided to stay for decades," adds Li.

Among them is Zhang Xiaogang, the director of the archaeology institute at Dunhuang Academy. Shown in the second episode as a caring mentor who guides Zhang Xiaoyang, he confides that he once endured similar struggles in his first few years.

After graduating with a master's degree from Wuhan University in 2002, the then 23-year-old Zhang Xiaogang once felt uncomfortable with the dry weather and harsh environment, as he strived to achieve academic recognition in around three years before returning to Wuhan in Central China's Hubei province.

However, his mind was changed by the caring guidance of Fan Jinshi and Peng Jinzhang, two influential scholars, who devoted their lives to the study of ancient Dunhuang culture.

Now, it's his turn to shoulder the responsibility of encouraging young talent to stick to their academic pursuit.

It is no mean feat, as one scene in the documentary shows that, in recent years, Dunhuang Academy has found it difficult to recruit young talent.

The heritage of the craftsmanship spirit is also highlighted in the documentary.