Gulbakram Mumin’s childhood playground was the windswept ruins of Jiaohe, a 2,000-year-old Silk Road gem in Turpan, northwestern China. Now, she walks its ancient pathways as a protector, blending her family’s three-generation devotion with modern preservation techniques.
Bridging Past and Present
After studying heritage conservation, Gulbakram returned to Jiaohe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to combat erosion and share its stories. 'Every brick here whispers history,' she says, leading school groups through crumbling temples and teaching visitors about the city’s Tang Dynasty heyday.
Youth Meet Ancient Wisdom
Using VR recreations and TikTok-style storytelling, Gulbakram makes archaeology click for Gen Z. 'Preservation isn’t just about ruins—it’s about connecting hearts across centuries,' she adds, while documenting rare artifacts found near her hometown.
