After five months of meticulous digital conservation, Caves 7 and 8 of the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Shanxi Province, have reopened to visitors. Led by the Yungang Grottoes Research Institute, the project combined state-of-the-art technology with traditional expertise to breathe new life into these ancient treasures.

Carved over 1,500 years ago during the Northern Wei Dynasty, the twin caves are among the oldest and most exquisite examples of early Chinese Buddhist art. Using high-resolution laser scanning and multispectral imaging, experts captured millimetre-accurate data to create a lasting digital archive. Structural repairs and new environmental monitoring systems now ensure their long-term protection.

With the project’s completion, visitors can once again marvel at the intricate sculptures and spiritual grandeur of Caves 7 and 8; timeless masterpieces that continue to illuminate China’s rich artistic and cultural legacy.

Source: China Central Television