Ancient books serve as a carrier of Chinese civilization. However, they get "sick" because of moths, mildew, breakages, and aging as time passes by. In Zhongshan, there is a "doctor" for ancient books, Huang Guoying, who "gives life" to "sick" books.

An ancient book before restoration.

Restored ancient books.

The separated soggy book is taken out of the water page by page.

Restoring books meticulously.

Pressing the restored book tightly with a self-made pressing plate.

Checking the restored book with a magnifying glass.

Separating the pages of a damaged book with bamboo chips.

Patiently clamping small pieces back to the original positions with a tweezer.

Putting the stuck-together books carefully into the water.

The pages are fixed onto white paper and pressed flat under heavy pressure.

All of the ancient books are bound by Huang Guoying herself.

Huang Guoying and her husband go to the book donation center to find ancient books. [Photos by Yu Zhaoyu]