Chongqing—Seventeen national first-class cultural relics will be showcased in the upcoming exhibition titled "From Dunhuang to Dazu: The Evolution of Chinese Grotto Art," set to open on June 18 at the China Three Gorges Museum in Chongqing. The exhibition presents a rare opportunity to explore the deep historical and artistic ties between two of China's most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing.

Located in the north and the south, these two cave temple complexes span centuries of artistic evolution and offer a clear narrative of how Buddhist cave art evolved from the Western Regions to become distinctly Chinese.

The exhibition will feature over 200 items and sets, including cultural relics from Dunhuang, Dazu, and representative sites along the Silk Road. These exhibits not only showcase the richness of cave art but also reflect the historical, social, and cultural transformations of their time.

Among the artifacts are two recognized national treasures, 15 national first-class cultural relics, 10 second-class relics, eight third-class relics, and six full-scale cave replicas. A particularly notable highlight is the Gaoshanmu Stone Stupa, cast in 428 CE. It is the earliest known physical example of a Buddhist stupa in China and will be exhibited in Chongqing for the first time.

Gaoshanmu Stone Stupa. (Photo courtesy of the exhibition organizer.)

To fully convey the splendor of these thousand-year-old caves, the exhibition will adopt a diverse range of presentation techniques, including original artifact displays, scene reconstruction, digital technology, and immersive experiences. Advanced methods such as AI, large language models, light topology, and interactive technologies will bring static relics to life, offering audiences a multidimensional and innovative way to appreciate ancient art through the lens of modern technology.

"This exhibition is not only a visual celebration of cave art, but also an enlightening journey into the depths of Chinese historical and cultural heritage," said Li Sha, curator of the exhibition. "It helps visitors understand the transformations in society and culture from the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties through to the Song Dynasty. Through this exhibition, we aim to open a window into the evolution of cave art and offer a deeper understanding of the historical forces behind its transformation."

"From Dunhuang to Dazu: The Evolution of Chinese Grotto Art" Exhibition Promotion Conference. (Photo by KangZheng/ iChongqing)

During the exhibition period, the China Three Gorges Museum will also organize a series of academic lectures and hands-on workshops. Experts in Dunhuang studies and Dazu art will be invited to provide in-depth interpretations of the cultural codes embedded in the art of both regions, further enriching the visitor experience.