Representatives of Shanxi University and Peking University unveil nameplates for Yungangology Institute of Shanxi University and Peking University-Shanxi University Yungangology Research Center at the ceremony. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

According to the plan, the Yungangology Institute of SXU will conduct systematic field investigations to recover materials of archeological significance, including Buddhist relics. It will also investigate and research ethnic integration in the Northern Dynasty (386-581) in Shanxi and establish an authoritative Shanxi Buddhist stone carving research database.

The institute will give full play to the advantages of the two universities, carry out multidisciplinary research, apply for significant scientific research projects, organize high-level academic exchanges and promote the creation of related disciplines. Its goal is to become a top domestic and international educational institution engaged in studying the Yungang Grottoes.

Hu Yanwei (right) donates 500,000 yuan to Yungangology Institute of Shanxi University on behalf of Shanxi Publishing Media Group. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

The Yungangology Institute of SXU will focus on Buddhist archeology, Buddhist culture and ethnic integration based on Shanxi's cultural heritage resources. It will cultivate professionals in Yungangology through the joint efforts of the two universities and become a carrier for Chinese culture promotion and Shanxi province's culture and tourism development.

It will also become an open platform dedicated to winning broad public support for the protection and inheritance of Shanxi's cultural heritage.

Hang Kan (left) is appointed as dean of Yungangology Institute of Shanxi University at the ceremony. [Photo/sxu.edu.cn]

At the founding ceremony, the institute established an academic committee to strengthen its research force. The committee then hired experts from Peking University, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Longmen Grottoes Research Institute, Shanxi Archaeology Research Institute and Renmin University of China as its consultants and researchers.

Shanxi Publishing Media Group donated 500,000 yuan ($74,751) to support the construction of the institute and research center and fund research projects. The publishing house also provided a series of books titled Shanxi Wenhua (The Essence of Shanxi History and Culture).

On the same day as the institute's founding ceremony, Shanxi University also held a forum on Yungangology with over 30 academics attending and putting forward suggestions for studies on the Yungang Grottoes and the institute's development.