Peng Xiulong, who also comes from Zhongao, has seen the positive changes to the Fengshan Temple cave site near her home.

"The protective structural beams were fractured, the roof was leaking, and the surrounding environment was in disorder," she recalls.

Now, the infrastructure has been upgraded, and many independent tourists come to Fengshan village to appreciate the beauty of the rock carvings at the temple.

"It has become a clean and peaceful place for meditation and serenity," she says.

Plaques introducing the history of the rock carvings in Chinese and English have been erected, so that visitors can better understand them.

According to Liu, one of the positive outcomes of the protection drive has been the rise in rural tourism.

Plum blossom sightseeing and boating activities have been introduced in Zhongao to complement the visitor experience.

The number of travel visits has grown significantly since last year, according to Gong Wenchuan, a town official.