It has been five years since Li Song began working in Xinjiang on the digitization of the ancient cave paintings there. He and his team have shouldered the responsibility of preserving the grottoes’ artistic treasures. Their hope is that one day, after the paintings are long gone, there will be enough digital information for later generations to still learn about this important part of China’s cultural heritage.

Far away from their homes, Li and his coworkers are engaged in jobs that give them a strong sense of achievement, though they also bring homesickness and no shortage of hard work. “We’re in a race against time to save these paintings,” Li said, “and it’s a race we plan on winning.”