Wang Yanqing (L), a staff member of the research institute of the Yungang Grottoes, conducts an archaeological investigation at the grottoes in Datong, north China's Shanxi Province, April 15, 2025. Yungang Grottoes was built during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). It is considered a pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist art and represents the highest level of sculptural artistry in the world during the 5th century.

In recent years, Shanxi has made great efforts to protect and study the grottoes. In 2021, the research institute of the Yungang Grottoes was established for the protection, research and management of the Yungang Grottoes.

Since 2003, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has started the digitization of its 45 major caves and more than 59,000 stone statues that are threatened by weathering. Cutting-edge technology has been used to record details of the Buddhist artworks, paving the way for their 3D digital reconstruction.

At present, the Yungang Grottoes scenic area has upgraded tourist facilities and offers various educational programs, receiving 4.44 million trips in 2024. [Xinhua/Yang Chenguang]