Dunhuang Academy restores Mogao Caves to preserve Buddhist art

Restorers at the Dunhuang Academy are working to preserve the Mogao Caves, located near the Gobi Desert in Dunhuang, China. The site contains one of the world’s largest collections of Buddhist art, including ancient murals and sculptures.

To combat deterioration caused by time and sand, experts have implemented a comprehensive preventive conservation system. This includes regular environmental monitoring, daily maintenance, and digital preservation. Zhang Zhengmo, deputy director of the Mogao Caves monitoring center, noted that sand volume in the area has decreased by more than 80% since the implementation of the full protection system. The effort combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to protect the millennium-old heritage.