Group 1 - The Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House has been publishing materials related to the Dunhuang and Western Regions since 1989, with hundreds of volumes released over the past thirty years [1] - The project includes the publication of 17 volumes of Russian-collected Dunhuang documents and 31 volumes of Black Water City documents, expected to be completed by 2026 [1] - This initiative is noted as the largest ancient manuscript publication project in New China, utilizing photography to present the most ancient texts [1] Group 2 - Professor Keping, a researcher at the St. Petersburg Institute of Oriental Studies, was instrumental in the study of the extinct Western Xia language and contributed significantly to the field [5][6] - Keping's research on the Western Xia texts, particularly the "Wenhai," laid the foundation for her doctoral degree and established her reputation in the international academic community [6][11] - The collaboration between Chinese and Russian scholars, including Keping, has been crucial in advancing the understanding of Western Xia literature and its historical context [9][30] Group 3 - The cooperation between the Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House and the Russian Oriental Institute led to the signing of an agreement in 1993 for the publication of the Black Water City documents [9][28] - The project has involved extensive academic exchanges and fieldwork, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in the preservation and study of ancient texts [27][30] - The publication of the Black Water City documents has significantly contributed to the international prominence of Western Xia studies [27][30]

Core Points - The article discusses the historical significance and cultural heritage of the Dunhuang Mogao Caves and the Xiqian Buddha Caves, highlighting their artistic and religious importance in Buddhist culture [1][3][18] - It narrates the discovery of the Dunhuang Caves, particularly the famous Cave 17, which contained numerous ancient texts and artifacts, and the subsequent looting of these treasures by foreign explorers [3][30] - The article emphasizes the ongoing efforts to preserve these cultural relics and the importance of responsible tourism in protecting such heritage sites [39][40] Group 1: Historical Context - The discovery of the Dunhuang Caves began in 1900 when a Taoist priest, Wang Yuanlu, found Cave 17, which contained a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and religious artifacts [1][3] - The looting of these treasures started with British explorer Stein in 1907, who took over 9,000 manuscripts and 500 paintings, leading to a significant loss of cultural heritage [3][30] - The establishment of the Dunhuang Research Institute in 1949 marked a turning point in the preservation of these sites, allowing for restoration and protection efforts to be implemented [3][30] Group 2: Cultural Significance - The Xiqian Buddha Caves are an integral part of the Dunhuang cave complex, believed to have been created earlier than the Mogao Caves, showcasing a blend of artistic styles from different periods [18][21] - The caves serve as a testament to the rich history of Buddhism in the region, with various artistic representations of Buddhist stories and figures that reflect the cultural exchanges along the Silk Road [18][36] - The article highlights the unique architectural features of the caves, such as the central pillar style and the intricate wall paintings that depict various Buddhist narratives [26][27][36] Group 3: Preservation Efforts - The article discusses the measures taken to ensure the preservation of the caves, including controlled access for visitors and the installation of environmental monitoring systems to protect the artworks [30][39] - It emphasizes the role of responsible tourism in safeguarding these cultural sites, urging visitors to respect the regulations in place to prevent damage to the artifacts [39][40] - The ongoing research and restoration efforts by the Dunhuang Research Institute are crucial for maintaining the integrity of these historical sites for future generations [3][30]

Group 1: Cultural Significance of Dunhuang - Dunhuang is a cultural heritage site that transcends geographical boundaries, representing a shared legacy of human civilization [7][8] - The rise of Dunhuang is closely linked to the Western Han Dynasty's efforts to open the Silk Road, making it a hub for cultural exchange [7][8] - The Mogao Caves, with a history spanning over a thousand years, serve as a testament to the artistic and cultural interactions of various civilizations [7][8] Group 2: The Significance of the Dunhuang Caves - The Mogao Caves exhibit diverse artistic styles influenced by different cultures, including the strong impact of Gandhara art and the integration of Western elements during the Sui and Tang dynasties [7][8] - The discovery of the Library Cave (Cave 17) in 1900 revealed a vast collection of documents and artworks from the 4th to 11th centuries, marking it as one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century [9][10] - The documents found in the Library Cave encompass a wide range of subjects, including religious texts, poetry, official documents, and educational materials, making it a "medieval encyclopedia" [10][11] Group 3: International Collaboration and Research - Dunhuang studies have evolved into an international academic field, with Chinese scholars leading and global scholars participating in research [12][13] - Collaborative projects, such as the International Dunhuang Project, focus on the digitization and restoration of artifacts, promoting resource sharing and academic cooperation [13][14] - The research encompasses various disciplines, including history, archaeology, religious studies, and digital humanities, expanding the depth and breadth of Dunhuang studies [13][14]