Li Wenting, 20, is the youngest docent at Xi'an Museum and has been on the job for just a few months. But she relishes the fact the museum reflects the long history of a city that was the capital of 13 dynasties over thousands of years.

"My biggest challenge is being unable to answer visitors' questions, which are very professional sometimes," she said. "In such cases, I write down these questions, find out the answers and call the visitors."

Experienced colleagues told her that docents serve as a bridge between the museum and the public, communicating with visitors face to face. It made Li understand that her professionalism directly affects the interest and understanding of the people she guides through the exhibits.

She didn't intend to apply for the post. A senior at Northwestern Polytechnical University, she accompanied a friend to the docent interview in March. Her friend didn't get the job, but it was offered to Li because of her communicative and interpretive skills.

As an electronics business major with little background in history, Li knew she had much to learn. She has been reading voraciously since getting the job, learning about herself in the process.

"I gain a deep understanding of life while working as a docent," she said. "I used to spend a lot of time surfing the Internet. Now I prefer reading books, which calms me down."

China Daily - Xinhua