Young people work to preserve precious past

After graduating from Taiyuan University of Technology in 2015, Li Lihong joined the institute and participated in the digitization of several large grottoes.

"We usually take measurements during the day and process the collected data at night to check for errors and omissions," she said. "Then we can make sure that any necessary additional data can be collected the following day."

Due to the difficulties of collecting massive information about the sculptures, the institute has established an advanced Yungang digital computing center based on high-performance graphics processors, on which a large number of grotto photos and data can be processed and modeled to generate 3D models.

So far, the institute has completed high-precision digital acquisition and documentation for more than half the Yungang Grottoes, achieving the permanent preservation and sustainable utilization of precious cultural relics.

"I have visited the grottoes many times, but findings from my digital work often brought surprises," Li said. "Once, when I was collecting data on a platform of the No 17 grotto, I discovered a small, very exquisite Bodhisattva statue that couldn't have been found by people standing on the ground. At that moment, I felt that my work was very valuable."

There are also some young people dedicating themselves to academic research at the institute, such as Wu Jiao.

Nine years ago, Wu graduated with a master's degree in archaeology from Shanxi University and joined the Historical and Ethnic Integration Research Center at the previous Yungang Grottoes Research Institute.

During the first six months of her work there, she mainly served as a tour guide to enrich her work experience, in addition to doing some basic research.

"It was an unforgettable experience. During the process of explaining the historical background of the Yungang Grottoes and the sculptures within them, I found I still needed to study the culture more," she said. "The questions from visitors made me realize that so many people cared about the details of the grottoes," she added. "There are also so many unsolved mysteries waiting for me to find answers."

In recent years, Wu has been involved in several important projects, including the compilation of books called The Complete Works of the Yungang Grottoes and the organizing of archaeological reports about the grottoes' ceilings and fronts.

"Restoring history through academic exploration made me feel very fulfilled," she said. "I hope to make more discoveries in the future through the enhancement of my academic abilities."

Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn