For over 30 years, Chinese experts have teamed up with a UNESCO-led group of 30 countries to breathe new life into Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat temple complex. The project, blending ancient craftsmanship with modern tech, has already restored two temples—with a third in the works!
This collaboration isn’t just about preserving history; it’s fueling Cambodia’s tourism boom and reviving cultural gems like Bokator, an ancient martial art etched into the temple’s stone carvings.
\"These carvings are like a time machine,\" says a local guide. \"Seeing Bokator’s history in stone inspires young Cambodians to keep the tradition alive.\" Youth-led Bokator classes are now trending nationwide, proving that heritage can be both cool and timeless.
With tourism revenues soaring and new restoration projects on the horizon, Angkor Wat stands as a symbol of global teamwork—and how saving the past can empower the future.
Reference(s):
The Fight to Protect Cambodia's National Treasure Sacred Space
cgtn.com