in 1950 s and 60 s, a group of young graduates came to work at the Research Institute on Dunhuang Cultural Relics at the Mogao Grottoes and they took root in the Gobi desert. Led by Director Chang Shuhong,they worked hard and diligently, copying many cave murals, including some masterpieces. Since 1959, the food supplies had been insufficient. People at the Mogao Grottoes began to become self-sufficient. They grew grains in the Gobi desert and foraged for wild plants to avoid hunger. They owned several mu of land, transforming this land into a farm in 1961. Kong Jin and Wu Xingshan greatly contributed to managing this farm. They cultivated the land, planted trees, and raised sheep, ensuring food and material supplies at the Mogao Grottoes.
