How to protect, research, and promote this Silk Road pearl?, The Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang

Zhao Shengliang, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Dunhuang Research Institute, said at the parallel forum "Cultural Heritage: Systematic Protection and Active Inheritance" held today at the Beijing Cultural Forum, "So far, the world cultural heritage we have seen, such as the Mogao Grottoes, is so rich in content and has lasted for so long, it is unparalleled."

He stated that the Dunhuang Research Institute has always adhered to the six character policy of "protection, research, and promotion". Protection is the foundation, and if cultural relics are not well protected, nothing can be discussed. Research is the core. If we don't study, how do we know the value of these cultural relics? How can we promote the excellent traditional culture behind it? Promoting is the goal, and our protection and research ultimately aim to create today's civilization and culture.

"You no longer have to worry about sand blocking the cave entrance"

Zhao Shengliang introduced that the the Mogao Grottoes of Dunhuang, built in 366 AD, has preserved 735 caves, 45000 square meters of murals and more than 2000 painted sculptures after more than 1000 years of development.

In terms of protection, Mogao Caves have gone through nearly 80 years of development. In the harsh conditions of the 1940s, the Mogao Grottoes were merely guarded. After undergoing basic protection, rescue protection, and gradually moving towards the stage of scientific protection after the reform and opening up. At present, a complete set of scientific treatment methods for murals and painted sculptures have been formed.

What else will affect the safety of the Mogao Grottoes, a large-scale cultural heritage? "Sand," Zhao Shengliang said.

Due to the Mogao Caves being located in the desert, the Dunhuang Research Institute has implemented a 20-year sand control project. Initially facing issues such as insufficient funding and technology, they learned advanced sand control techniques from abroad, such as grass grid sand fixation, plant sand fixation, and chemical sand fixation methods, and built "human" shaped sand prevention stations.

Over the past 20 years of sand control, the results have been very significant, effectively controlling the safety threat of sand to cultural relics and tourists. "In 1984, I first started working in Dunhuang, and sand control was very complicated. Tourists walking in caves and sand sliding down the walls could pose a safety hazard. Moreover, if sand slides along the walls, the murals may disappear." Zhao Shengliang recalled that at that time, many workers at the Dunhuang Research Institute were sweeping sand every day, from top to bottom, and then using small cars to pull the sand away. If we don't sweep every few days, the door to the bottom cave won't open. Now, Mogao Grottoes no longer have to worry about sand blocking the door.

The desertification control project not only protected the murals, but also expanded the research institute's attention to the external environment of the caves, including the impacts of climate, plants, and animals. Comprehensive monitoring and testing have now been achieved, with probes installed in each cave to ensure timely sampling of temperature, humidity, and air quality that affect cave protection.

More than 200 cave digitization works have been completed

In order to ensure the permanent preservation of murals and painted sculptures, the Dunhuang Research Institute has carried out over 20 years of digital work. They collaborated with Northwestern University in the United States and Zhejiang University in China to form a digital team of over 100 people. At present, some small grotto clusters have been digitized, such as Yulin Caves and West Qianfo Cave. Due to the large amount of digitalization work and harsh environment in Mogao Grottoes, only over 200 caves have been completed, and digitalization work is still ongoing.

Zhao Shengliang also introduced that the Mogao Grottoes have established the most advanced security and prevention systems in China in six grottoes. All data can be accessed at any time in the control room to observe the situation inside the caves. Once problems arise, timely measures can be taken.

"Dunhuang Studies in China, Dunhuang Studies in the World"

Zhao Shengliang introduced that the Dunhuang Research Institute focuses on cultural relics research and has published over 500 works and over 4000 papers. There are also more than 20 countries in the world conducting academic research on Dunhuang. "Dunhuang Studies is in China, and Dunhuang studies are in the world. It is because of such a large number of research results that the value of Dunhuang is reflected, and so many people know that Dunhuang is so beautiful and has historical value," he said.

The Dunhuang Research Institute's publication "Dunhuang Research" has been published for 40 years and has won the National Publishing Award. Numerous domestic and foreign scholars have published articles on it. At the same time, he also published a large number of popular works, such as "Dunhuang Seasons" and "A Brief History of Dunhuang Grottoes Art", and won the China Good Book Award.

Can accommodate up to 6000 people per day

Zhao Shengliang stated that the Dunhuang Research Institute advocates responsible cultural tourism, supported by culture, to allow tourists to understand the real Dunhuang. By conducting a survey on the carrying capacity of the caves, taking into account factors affecting murals and cultural protection, and considering the safety and comfort of tourists, it was ultimately determined that the Mogao Caves can accommodate up to 6000 people per day.

In order to better solve the problem of tourists enjoying the Mogao Grottoes, the Dunhuang Research Institute has built a digital exhibition center, using modern technological means to allow tourists to see better. The Digital Display Center has also released two movies, "Millennium High" and "Dream Buddha Palace", which can make audiences strongly feel the charm of Dunhuang. The Dunhuang Research Institute has also collaborated with Huawei to launch the "Dunhuang Supersensory Image", allowing tourists to enjoy murals outside the caves.

In order to promote the development of Dunhuang art and culture, the Dunhuang Research Institute holds an average of 20-30 domestic and international exhibitions annually. During last year's pandemic, a Dunhuang Cultural Global Connection was also held, where ambassadors from various countries shared Dunhuang stories with audiences from all continents.

The Dunhuang Research Institute has also launched a cultural and creative product called "Dunhuang Poetry Scarves". Tourists can design their own scarves with Dunhuang style through a mini program, and submit them to the manufacturer for direct production. While promoting Dunhuang culture, it allows people to feel that traditional culture can be applied in daily life.

Zhao Shengliang stated that the whole society can participate in the promotion and inheritance of Dunhuang culture, allowing Dunhuang culture to spread to a wider area and allowing more people to appreciate the charm of traditional Chinese culture from Dunhuang culture.