It was very sad to learn that the beloved old leader Xie Chensheng died of illness this morning.

Xie is always an old leader and famous expert in the field of cultural relics protection in China. He is also a banner in the field of cultural relics in China. He devoted his life to the cause of cultural relics in China and made outstanding achievements for the development of cultural relics in New China. His death is a great loss to the cause of cultural relics protection in China.

With all his energy, Xie Lao is firmly committed to the cause of national cultural relics protection. Before his retirement, he served as the leader of the national department in charge of cultural relics for a long time. Standing in the front line of management, he correctly grasped the relationship between the protection, utilization and management of cultural relics with a broad vision and keen vision; He has long participated in the formulation of national guidelines and policies for the protection of cultural relics, participated in the drafting of documents on the protection and management of cultural relics, the law of the people’s Republic of China on the protection of cultural relics and other laws and regulations, and made fundamental contributions to building a wall of laws for the protection of cultural relics; After his retirement, he still kept his original intention, always paid attention to the development trend of the national cultural relics protection and management, adhered to the responsibility of defending and protecting the cultural relics of the motherland.

He has been assiduous in his pursuit and writing. He often publishes insightful articles and talks to clarify the concept of cultural relics protection to the society; He took the pen as his weapon, wrote frankly, and tried to keep the cultural treasures in danger again and again. Thanks to his unique experience and wisdom, Xie Lao has made outstanding contributions to the cause of national cultural relics that ordinary people cannot do.

Although he works in Beijing, he has long been devoted to the protection of cultural relics around the country, working hard on investigation and research, and gaining insight into the real situation of cultural relics protection across the country. Old Xie has long been concerned about the protection and management of Dunhuang Grottoes. He has deep friends with my predecessors, Mr. Chang Shuhong and Mr. Duan Wenjie. Due to my work, I have heard the name of Xie Lao for a long time, and I was able to get to know him in the 1980s. I share his concern and support for the protection of Dunhuang Grottoes. For example, in the 2016 notice of the State Council on Further Strengthening the work of cultural relics, in the part of strengthening the protection and management of cultural relics and correctly handling the relationship between cultural relics protection and the development of tourism, old Xie suggested that “rare treasures such as Dunhuang murals that are easy to damage cannot be used as general tourism open spots, and the number of visitors must be strictly controlled and effective protection measures must be taken.” This document makes me deeply educated. When I encounter difficulties in the protection and management of cultural relics, I will think of this document and the good intentions of Xie Lao. In 2014, when Mr. Xie learned from the Internet that Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes might encounter the development of tourism investment companies, he immediately called me personally to inquire about the details and told me that I must adhere to the principle of “protection first”. Mr. Xie’s teachings and concern for Dunhuang Grottoes gave me great spiritual support.

The most admirable thing is that Xie Lao has a selfless spirit and character towards cultural relics. Xie worked with illness for decades and defeated the disease with a strong will. Regardless of wind and waves and sarcasm, he has always been an indomitable guard of cultural relics, always adhered to the front line of cultural relics protection and bravely defended the safety of cultural relics of the motherland. At every critical juncture when cultural relics are damaged and lost, and relevant departments and individuals are powerless, he always ignores his personal gains and losses, reflects the real situation to the party and state leaders, tries to explain the advantages and disadvantages, and helps the country make correct decisions. It was his argument that safeguarded the safety of a large number of important cultural relics and historic sites in Beijing, such as a large number of quadrangles, the former site of Beijing Film Studio, the south of the old city of Nanjing, the small foreign building on Tianjin Fifth Avenue, Changzhou Jinyuan, Humen Jingyuan fort and so on, and also prevented many precious cultural relics such as bronzes and porcelain from smuggling and outflow. He has been old and strong for 70 years. His deeds and spirit of selfless dedication to the cause of national cultural relics are really admirable.

I would like to extend my deep respect, sorrow and remembrance to old Xie!

Fan Jinshi mourns

May 2, 2022