Guests pose for a photo at the launch ceremony.

The launch ceremony of the English version of Daughter of Dunhuang: A Memoir of a Mogao Grottoes Researcher was held in San Francisco, the United States on Aug 26.

The title narrates the extraordinary life story of Fan Jinshi, known as the "Daughter of Dunhuang", depicting her as a steadfast guardian of Dunhuang and promoter of the profound artistic allure of Mogao Grottoes.

Chris Robin, the book's executive editor at Changhe Press, presided over the event. He remarked that the book's translation and publication have been one of their most devoted endeavors in recent years. American translator Bruce Humes has dedicated over two years to preserving the original style and essence.

Gu Chunfang, author of the Daughter of Dunhuang: A Memoir of a Mogao Grottoes Researcher, talks with a reader at the signing session.

Chinese Consul General Zhang Jianmin in San Francisco lauded the significance of Mogao Grottoes preservation and Fan's contributions in his speech, underscoring the importance of cultural and civilizational exchanges.

He recognized the book's value in international communication, praising it as "another vibrant illustration of cultural exchange and mutual learning between China and the US".

Fan addressed the audience via video, expressing that she has spent over 60 years in Dunhuang, witnessing generations of individuals at the grottoes wholeheartedly dedicating themselves and observing experts from the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan, alongside the Dunhuang Academy, conducting analyses, research, experiments, and restoration of cultural relics.

She noted that she felt compelled to share their spirit with the world, pass it on to future generations, and preserve the history of Dunhuang.

English version of Daughter of Dunhuang: A Memoir of a Mogao Grottoes Researcher.

The English version has received high acclaim from numerous experts and scholars in the international academic community.

Neville Agnew, preface author of the English version and a project expert at the Getty Conservation Institute in the US, remarked that Fan is renowned for defending the beloved Mogao Grottoes. She unveils the adversities she has faced and the endeavors she has undertaken, and even today, her spirit and enthusiasm continue to shine brightly. Her distinguished qualities are vividly portrayed in this highly accessible translation.

Sharon Sullivan, former executive director of the Australian Heritage Council and a member of the World Heritage Committee, stated that for those dedicated to protecting global cultural heritage, this book contains all the essential elements found in a master class.

Roderick Whitfield, honorary professor of Chinese and East Asian Art at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, emphasized that the increasing interest in visiting Dunhuang must be recognized as Fan's lifelong accomplishment.

Yilin Press has exported the rights to publish the book in five additional languages: Russian, Hindi, Turkish, Kazakh, and traditional Chinese.