The prize-winning publications on ancient texts.[Photo by Meijia/China Daily]

An annual prize was recently instituted by the Song Yunbin Foundation for scholars and experts who work with ancient texts.

"It's a job requiring attention to detail. If you are not passionate about ancient texts and ancient culture, you can't spend long hours on them. We're proud to reward these people," says Ge Zhaoguang, a professor with Fudan University in Shanghai and chair of the jury panel.

This year's winners were announced in July by the foundation, which is managed by Zhonghua Book Company, one of the country's major publishers of ancient books.

Three books and an editor were picked for the prize, comprising 100,000 yuan ($14,600) for each winner.

"The editing of the three works spanned several decades and was done by generations of scholars," says Ge.

The three books are Historical Records (collated version); Relics of Silk Books and Bamboo Slips in Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tombs; and Annotated Corpora of Du Fu.

Zhang Zhonggang took over the job of editing the works of Tang Dynasty (618-907) poet Du Fu from his teacher, who started the job in 1978.

Zhang led his team for three decades. In 2014 they published the 12-volume work of Du's 1,456 poems and other works.

"We spent two years tracing the poet's footprints to collect material," the 77-year-old says.

"Du Fu is a master poet. When you study him, you know you're on a difficult path. And it will test your dedication and your professionalism. But it's worth it."