Chongqing, located in Southwest China, is home to an estimated 100,000 ancient rock carvings. These magnificent relics, spanning over a millennium, can be found tucked away in various parts of this vibrant, mountainous city. Almost half of these historical treasures are located in Dazu, a suburb approximately 50 kilometers from the heart of Chongqing. Due to their immense historical and cultural significance, the Dazu Rock Carvings were recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1999.
Liu Xiangao, the Vice Director of the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings, remarked in a conversation with the Global Times, “These grottoes, unique in southwestern China, present a harmonious blend of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. Crafted by the residents of Dazu millennia ago, they symbolize the intersection of religion with everyday life.”
International Efforts to Preserve the Rock Carvings
To bolster conservation efforts and stimulate global collaboration, Chongqing hosted the inaugural International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation. Situated in the Baoding Mountains, which have rock carvings from the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), this event played a pivotal role in emphasizing the need for protection of such treasures, both locally and internationally.
This three-day forum served as a melting pot for experts worldwide, especially those from the International Council on Monuments and Site (ICOMOS). They gathered not just to exchange knowledge on heritage conservation but also to underscore the role of international collaborations against challenges like climate change.
Li Qun, director of China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration, highlighted the particular sensitivity of these rock carvings to environmental factors. He stated the urgency for global teamwork to ensure the preservation of these artifacts, especially in light of the emerging climate threats.
Mario Santana Quintero, Secretary-General of ICOMOS, accentuated the importance of the conference. He stated, “This groundbreaking conference casts a spotlight on the intricate relationship between climate dynamics and the preservation of grottoes.”
As the forum drew to a close, the ‘Dazu Declaration on Cave Temple Conservation in the Context of Climate Change’ was officially released, underscoring the commitment to this cause.
Bridging Cultural Bonds: The MoU
An integral part of the forum was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings and the Museum of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Peshawar.
Dr. Abdul Samad of Pakistan, one of the signatories, shared his insights, emphasizing the longstanding cooperation between Pakistan and China across multiple sectors, including cultural exchanges. He believes this MoU will benefit more than just the two nations involved, paving the way for enhanced international tourism and mutual learning, especially as Pakistan houses carvings that bear a striking resemblance to those in Dazu.
Conservation Challenges
Despite their historical significance, the Dazu Rock Carvings face severe threats from environmental factors, particularly water and wind erosion. The Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings, founded in 1952, has made commendable efforts to safeguard these ancient wonders, utilizing expertise both locally and globally.
One of the most pressing challenges is water damage, resulting from Chongqing’s humid climate and other natural factors. To combat this, the academy has engineered a nearly 200-meter tunnel behind the grottoes, a method that has proven successful in areas like Beishan Mountain.
Furthermore, the carvings face risks from fire damage, a consequence of centuries-old religious practices involving incense burning. Efforts to restore the damages are ongoing, with collaborations from Italian experts and impending projects with Japan.
The Road Ahead
With the looming threat of climate change, preservation endeavors for these grottoes are of paramount importance. Chen Huili, a pivotal figure at the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings, believes that the mission to restore and protect the carvings is a lifelong commitment, emphasizing the ongoing dedication and resilience required for such a noble cause.
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