Fewer visitors proposed for caves

Protection of cultural heritage, especially the Mogao Grottoes, has been set as a top priority in the development of tourism in Northwest China's Gansu province, a deputy to the country's top legislature said.

Reducing visitation hours or limiting the days the heritage site is open are two ways to protect the caves, which house a remarkable collection of Buddhist sculptures and frescoes in Dunhuang city, Lian Ji, president of the Chinese National Academy of Arts, said during meetings of China's legislature and the political advisory body.

"The move doesn't mean visitors will not see the sculptures," said Lian, also a lawmaker. "We've built a venue with high-tech devices, where people can also enjoy the fabulous heritage. ... We have taken photos with high-definition cameras of more than 10 caves in the Mogao Grottoes. Visitors will feel like they are in the real caves."