Dunhuang fieldwork
Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes: A Great Wonder of Unmatched Universal Value
Dunhuang, located in Gansu Province, is a place that captures the eternity of breathtaking landscape and the glorious Silk Road civilization. The study of Dunhuang is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to the research and advocacy for Dunhuang, drawing interest and passion from scholars worldwide.
Hexi Corridor
Hexi Corridor is the jewel on the crown of Dunhuang. It has natural landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, deserts, lakes, and cultural landscapes such as oases, ancient cities, the Great Wall, and grottoes temples, presenting a magnificent picture. Hexi Corridor is not only a geographical corridor but also a tunnel running through history, with countless arts and beauties.
Mogao Grottoes
Among all the caves in China, Dunhuang enjoys the largest, the best preserved, and the longest-spanning murals and statues in the caves. Mogao Grottoes are constructed along the cliff facing east, extending from north to south. A total of 735 caves (including 492 containing artworks) have been identified. The art of Mogao Grottoes covers more than ten major genres, such as architecture, stucco sculpture, wall paintings, silk paintings, calligraphy, woodblock printing, embroidery, literature, music and dance, and popular entertainment. They reflect the meeting of cultures and beliefs among various groups, providing vital historical evidence for research.
The Study of Dunhuang
Due to historical events, many Dunhuang relics and materials are scattered around the world. The study of Dunhuang has faced hardship with the lack of raw materials. Generations of Dunhuang scholars are calling for actions from youths with a global vision and leadership spirit. They hope young people with international backgrounds and intercultural awareness can cultivate this rich heritage and redefine Dunhuang in the new era.
Every cave has its own world; every grotto is a piece of history. Outlook Future Community has always been committed to promoting sustainable development, among which sustainable cultural development is a top priority. In collaboration with related departments of Dunhuang Academy, we worked together to promote Dunhuang culture sustainable development among teenagers and global audiences.
PARTNERS
Mogao School is Dunhuang Academy’s youth cultural heritage project. It was selected as the Outstanding Youth case of World Heritage in the Asia-Pacific region. World Heritage Youth Education is one of UNESCO's "5C" strategic initiatives. With the full support of the Dunhuang Academy, students cooperated with experts from various fields of the academy to conduct in-depth analysis on Mogao Grottoes and Hexi Corridor's past and present from refined perspectives and introduced the beauty of Dunhuang culture to a global audience.
EVENTS
The existing projects share three major topics: protection, research, and promotion. In collaboration with experts from Dunhuang Academy, many have joined the mission for cultural sustainable development and desertification control on the ground.
1. Revive the Murals
- Study the diseases and conditions of the murals
- Visit Digital Grottoes Inspection Center of Dunhuang Academy and research on the latest control
methods for diseases
- Experience the technique and process of mural restoration
2. Green Recovery through Desertification Control
- Visit the front line of the Mogao Grottoes desertification control, and acquaint
with the six-belt integrated desertification control system
- Experience the making process of "grass cube"
- Interview the researchers and workers in the field and film documentary footage
3. World-Class Dunhuang Research
- Engage in the study of Dunhuang from diverse dimensions: history, religious, art,
architecture, sculpture and more
- Host forums and meetings to promote discussion and understanding
4. Innovate Cultural Transmission
- Explore innovative ways to promote international collaboration
