Renaissance of Mogao Cave Art: Immersive VR Experiences for Heritage Preservation

Yang Liu

doi:10.23362

Renaissance of Mogao Cave Art: Immersive VR Experiences for Heritage Preservation

Yang Liu

AFCT Faculty

Research output: Chapter in Book or Report/Conference proceeding › Conference Proceeding › peer-review

Abstract

Dunhuang, a unique crossroads of four ancient civilizations along the Silk Road, is home to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extensive Buddhist art and cultural significance. Spanning a millennium of artistic activity, the Mogao Caves embody the convergence of Indian, Chinese, Islamic, and Greek influences, reflecting evolving aesthetics, historical narratives, and daily life across dynasties. However, the preservation of this invaluable heritage is threatened by environmental degradation, wind erosion, and
the overexploitation of resources due to growing tourism, with over seven million visitors recorded in 2023 alone. In response to these challenges, the project Renaissance of the
Mogao Grotto leverages contemporary digital technologies to preserve, interpret, and share the rich narratives of the Mogao murals. This initiative offers scientifically grounded interpretations through immersive experiences. Using Virtual Reality (VR) and digital media to reconstruct Mogao Cave 275, the project enables audiences to explore its cultural and visual
significance in physical and virtual exhibitions. By merging innovative storytelling techniques with digital media, this study enhances public engagement and advances the sustainable
preservation of the Mogao Caves for future generations.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	ISEA 2025 ( 30th International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art)
Place of Publication	Korea
Publisher	Art Center Nabi, Institute for Culture and Arts Seoul National University
ISBN (Electronic)	979-11-87275-32-9
ISBN (Print)	979-11-87275-32-9
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.23362
Publication status	Published - 30 Jul 2025
Event	ISEA 2025: the 30th International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art - Seoul, Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Duration: 23 May 2025 → 29 May 2025 https://isea2025.isea-international.org/

Conference

Conference	ISEA 2025: the 30th International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art
Abbreviated title	ISEA2025
Country/Territory	Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
City	Seoul
Period	23/05/25 → 29/05/25
Internet address	https://isea2025.isea-international.org/

Keywords

Mogao Cvaes, Virtual Reality, Cultural Heritage preservation, Digital Reconstruction, Immersive storytelling, Buddhist art, Mogao Cave 275, Digital Heritage, Interactive narratives, Dunhuang Murals, VR exhibition

Access to Document

10.23362

Cite this

@inproceedings{3f9476c9ba964b7c973860c586a2de39,

title = "Renaissance of Mogao Cave Art: Immersive VR Experiences for Heritage Preservation",

abstract = "Dunhuang, a unique crossroads of four ancient civilizations along the Silk Road, is home to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extensive Buddhist art and cultural significance. Spanning a millennium of artistic activity, the Mogao Caves embody the convergence of Indian, Chinese, Islamic, and Greek influences, reflecting evolving aesthetics, historical narratives, and daily life across dynasties. However, the preservation of this invaluable heritage is threatened by environmental degradation, wind erosion, and the overexploitation of resources due to growing tourism, with over seven million visitors recorded in 2023 alone. In response to these challenges, the project Renaissance of the Mogao Grotto leverages contemporary digital technologies to preserve, interpret, and share the rich narratives of the Mogao murals. This initiative offers scientifically grounded interpretations through immersive experiences. Using Virtual Reality (VR) and digital media to reconstruct Mogao Cave 275, the project enables audiences to explore its cultural and visual significance in physical and virtual exhibitions. By merging innovative storytelling techniques with digital media, this study enhances public engagement and advances the sustainable preservation of the Mogao Caves for future generations.",

keywords = "Mogao Cvaes, Virtual Reality, Cultural Heritage preservation, Digital Reconstruction, Immersive storytelling, Buddhist art, Mogao Cave 275, Digital Heritage, Interactive narratives, Dunhuang Murals, VR exhibition",

author = "Yang Liu",

year = "2025",

month = jul,

day = "30",

doi = "10.23362",

language = "English",

isbn = "979-11-87275-32-9",

booktitle = "ISEA 2025 ( 30th International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art)",

publisher = "Art Center Nabi, Institute for Culture and Arts Seoul National University",

note = "ISEA 2025: the 30th International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art, ISEA2025 ; Conference date: 23-05-2025 Through 29-05-2025",

url = "https://isea2025.isea-international.org/",

}

Liu, Y 2025, Renaissance of Mogao Cave Art: Immersive VR Experiences for Heritage Preservation. in ISEA 2025 ( 30th International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art). Art Center Nabi, Institute for Culture and Arts Seoul National University, Korea, ISEA 2025: the 30th International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art, Seoul, Korea, Democratic People's Republic of, 23/05/25. https://doi.org/10.23362

TY - GEN

T1 - Renaissance of Mogao Cave Art: Immersive VR Experiences for Heritage Preservation

AU - Liu, Yang

PY - 2025/7/30

Y1 - 2025/7/30

N2 - Dunhuang, a unique crossroads of four ancient civilizations along the Silk Road, is home to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extensive Buddhist art and cultural significance. Spanning a millennium of artistic activity, the Mogao Caves embody the convergence of Indian, Chinese, Islamic, and Greek influences, reflecting evolving aesthetics, historical narratives, and daily life across dynasties. However, the preservation of this invaluable heritage is threatened by environmental degradation, wind erosion, and the overexploitation of resources due to growing tourism, with over seven million visitors recorded in 2023 alone. In response to these challenges, the project Renaissance of the Mogao Grotto leverages contemporary digital technologies to preserve, interpret, and share the rich narratives of the Mogao murals. This initiative offers scientifically grounded interpretations through immersive experiences. Using Virtual Reality (VR) and digital media to reconstruct Mogao Cave 275, the project enables audiences to explore its cultural and visual significance in physical and virtual exhibitions. By merging innovative storytelling techniques with digital media, this study enhances public engagement and advances the sustainable preservation of the Mogao Caves for future generations.

AB - Dunhuang, a unique crossroads of four ancient civilizations along the Silk Road, is home to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extensive Buddhist art and cultural significance. Spanning a millennium of artistic activity, the Mogao Caves embody the convergence of Indian, Chinese, Islamic, and Greek influences, reflecting evolving aesthetics, historical narratives, and daily life across dynasties. However, the preservation of this invaluable heritage is threatened by environmental degradation, wind erosion, and the overexploitation of resources due to growing tourism, with over seven million visitors recorded in 2023 alone. In response to these challenges, the project Renaissance of the Mogao Grotto leverages contemporary digital technologies to preserve, interpret, and share the rich narratives of the Mogao murals. This initiative offers scientifically grounded interpretations through immersive experiences. Using Virtual Reality (VR) and digital media to reconstruct Mogao Cave 275, the project enables audiences to explore its cultural and visual significance in physical and virtual exhibitions. By merging innovative storytelling techniques with digital media, this study enhances public engagement and advances the sustainable preservation of the Mogao Caves for future generations.

KW - Mogao Cvaes, Virtual Reality, Cultural Heritage preservation, Digital Reconstruction, Immersive storytelling, Buddhist art, Mogao Cave 275, Digital Heritage, Interactive narratives, Dunhuang Murals, VR exhibition

UR - http://Https://data.doi.or.kr/10.23362/koen2025.07.25.2.155

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M3 - Conference Proceeding

SN - 979-11-87275-32-9

BT - ISEA 2025 ( 30th International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art)

PB - Art Center Nabi, Institute for Culture and Arts Seoul National University

CY - Korea

T2 - ISEA 2025: the 30th International Symposium on Electronic/Emerging Art

Y2 - 23 May 2025 through 29 May 2025

ER -

Renaissance of Mogao Cave Art: Immersive VR Experiences for Heritage Preservation

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