The age-old grottoes of Southwest China’s Chongqing region, some dating back a millennium, are under increasing threat from climate change. With extreme weather conditions intensifying, the challenges of preserving this precious art are growing complex. An international forum recently convened to tackle the impact of climate change on this ancient art form.
Chongqing is home to a vast collection of grottoes, featuring over 100,000 cave statues with some tracing their origins back a thousand years. One of the leading voices in grotto conservation, Chen Huili, stressed the necessity of adaptation. She described the painstaking restoration process of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin Buddha statue, a notable representation of the Southern Song (1127-1279) era.
Chen highlighted the looming danger of humidity. Extreme weather patterns, including floods and increased rainfall, elevate humidity levels, endangering the grottoes. The interaction between humid air and the grottoes’ dense sandstone generates acid, leading to the statues’ erosion and permanent damage.
There’s hope on the horizon, though. In a collaborative effort with Tsinghua University in Beijing, conservationists are researching technological methods of protection, including real-time monitoring, 3D laser scanning, and the development of an air curtain. Once functional, this air curtain aims to act as an invisible shield around the grottoes, filtering harmful pollutants and extending the art’s lifespan.
Historically, the preservation of these grottoes began many years ago. Dazu Rock Carvings, often drawing parallels with Cambodia’s Angkor Wat due to their likeness in carving techniques and environmental conditions, are an integral part of this legacy. Initially crafted during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) for religious purposes, the grottoes still stand as testament to the dedication of local residents who kept the tradition alive.
The Dazu Rock Carvings Research Institute, established in 1952, played a pivotal role in counteracting the damages caused by factors like industrial pollution, unanticipated rainfalls, and prolonged sun exposure. Now, as climate change introduces unprecedented challenges, the emphasis is on monitoring and proactivity. Jiang Siwei, the institute’s director, stresses the importance of real-time observations.
With the vast distribution of these grottoes, local community involvement has become crucial. Trained villagers play a role in protection, ensuring no thefts while professionals consistently monitor for potential damages.
Yet, Chongqing is not alone in its battle against environmental threats. Other UNESCO World Heritage grottoes in China, including Yungang, Mogao, Longmen, and Maijishan, are facing similar challenges. At Dunhuang, a significant Silk Road hub, a surge in extreme rainfall is observed. In response, the Dunhuang Research Institute initiated the “Digital Mogao Caves” project, digitizing several caves and artworks for sustainable preservation. This digital approach might hold the key to safeguarding China’s diverse and ancient heritage amidst evolving environmental threats.
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