Core Points - The article discusses the ongoing field survey and preservation efforts of the Helan Mountain rock paintings in Ningxia, China, which began in 2020 and will continue until 2025, aiming to verify the condition of previously discovered paintings and document new ones [1][2] Group 1: Rock Paintings Overview - The Helan Mountain rock paintings date back approximately 10,000 to 3,000 years, showcasing the evolution of ancient peoples from hunting and herding to agriculture, reflecting their belief systems, lifestyles, and technological advancements [2] - There are over 20,000 rock paintings along the 250-kilometer stretch of Helan Mountain, with around 6,000 concentrated in the Helan Mountain Rock Painting Site Park, making it one of the largest sites for human face representations in rock art globally [1][2] Group 2: Preservation Efforts - The Helan Mountain rock paintings were designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 1996, leading to the establishment of the Helan Mountain Rock Painting Management Office in 2002 and the introduction of protective regulations in 2003 [5] - Various protective measures have been implemented, including building dams to prevent flood damage, installing monitoring systems, and raising public awareness about the value of the rock paintings [5][9] - The management office has collaborated with institutions like Nanjing Museum and Fudan University to enhance preservation techniques, including the use of organic materials to reinforce rock surfaces and the application of nanomaterials for weather protection [6][9] Group 3: Community Engagement and Future Plans - The management office aims to increase public awareness and appreciation of the rock paintings through exhibitions, community talks, and cultural activities, with over 900,000 visitors expected at the Helan Mountain Rock Painting Site Park in 2024 [9] - The preservation philosophy has shifted from emergency rescue to a balanced approach of both rescue and preventive measures, emphasizing the importance of scientific research and long-term monitoring of environmental impacts on the rock art [9]

Core Points - The Helan Mountain rock paintings date back 3,000 to 10,000 years, reflecting the lifestyle and cultural symbols of ancient humans in northern China [1] - The establishment of the Yinchuan Helan Mountain Rock Painting Management Office in 2002 has led to various protective measures to preserve the rock paintings [1] Group 1 - The management office has implemented rescue protection projects, digital preservation, and monitoring systems to extend the lifespan of the rock paintings [1] - The site features over 100 surveillance cameras to monitor the condition of the rock paintings [6] - The use of drones for annual inspections and documentation of the rock paintings enhances the preservation efforts [3][5] Group 2 - The creation of electronic line drawings aids in the digital documentation of the rock paintings, facilitating future research [7] - A multi-source data management platform has been developed for high-precision scanning and modeling of the rock paintings [7] - The Yinchuan World Rock Art Museum serves as a research hub for studying the digital replicas of the Helan Mountain rock paintings [8]