Preservation through digitalization
Online platforms help safeguard ancient relics of the Mogao Caves and give tourists and researchers better access to learn about and study their magnificent history, report Xu Lin and Ma Jingna in Dunhuang, Gansu.
Nestled at a strategic crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, Dunhuang in Gansu province is far more than a desert oasis; it is a timeless testament to cross-cultural exchange.
This legacy is most vividly preserved within the Mogao Caves, where vibrant sculptures and murals chronicle Buddhism's journey from India to China, showcasing its integration with Chinese culture.
Meanwhile, guarding the western frontier were the Yumen and Yangguan passes through which merchants, travelers and diplomats entered and exited China.
Today, Dunhuang preserves this rich legacy, blending historical charm with ecological protection, tourism development, and digital technologies to share its stories with the world.
"We conduct real-time monitoring of cultural heritage and its surrounding area with advanced technology and implement ecological restoration projects to achieve the harmonious coexistence of cultural heritage and the environment," said Dunhuang Mayor Zhu Jianjun in a speech at the 2025 "Global Mayors Dialogue ・ Dunhuang", held in the city from Saturday to Monday.
