Audience members scan the QR code to watch the introduction of Mogao Cave 285.(Zhang Manyu/China Youth Daily)

On Dec.15, Dunhuang, a treasure of culture and art where diverse civilizations converge, left the sandy caves thanks to modern technology and traveled to the China Millennium Monument in Beijing, according to China Youth Daily. Audience members can now experience the magnificent beauty of Dunhuang, a thousand miles away.

The exhibition has built the Dunhuang Mogao Caves in three aspects, and presented a simulation of Mogao Cave 285 and Yulin Cave 25. In addition, beautiful murals, sculptures and holographic dances are on display using digital technology, while a Dunhuang musical instrument exhibition and Dunhuang clothing exhibition break through the limitations of time and space, integrating science, technology and art.

The reproduction of the construction of Mogao Cave 285 is the most important. It is the earliest cave in Dunhuang, excavated during the Western Wei Dynasty (535-551). The caves are rich in spiritualism, including Buddhism, traditional Chinese gods, Taoism, and gods from Hindu Brahman.

It is a place where different styles of art from around the world come together, as do tourists from home and abroad. The audience can scan QR codes on the wall to watch the mural’s story.

With the rapid development of emerging technologies such as the internet, big data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the immovable Dunhuang murals can now reach people anywhere in the world.

In 2016, the "Digital Dunhuang" resource database was launched, releasing high-definition digital content and a panoramic tour of 30 famous caves to the world, providing people with a new perspective on Dunhuang. Later, in 2017, the English version of "Digital Dunhuang" was launched, bringing the grottoes to even more people.

Through technological innovation, it is possible to keep the treasures of Dunhuang alive forever. A thousand years of history now showcase China's "science and technology plus" and the appeal of Chinese tradition and history. The fans and ambassadors of Dunhuang culture will inherit, spread, and protect the precious cultural heritage of humankind.