Dunhuang Caves Become Digital

Virtual tourism has become a reality for those who want a glimpse of the stunning Dunhuang caves in Northwest China's Gansu province. Earlier in the month, the world heritage site opened exhibitions of some of its exquisite sculptures and frescoes in high definition.

While up to 6,000 visitors are physically allowed to enter the caves each day in order to protect the fragile rock architecture and Buddhist artworks from exposure to moisture and heat, parts of the prized location on the ancient Silk Road - of interest to many, many more people - can now be viewed through a digital tour.

The ongoing project is in line with the trend of digitization of relics and sites in China as the country tries to keep pace with preservation of its vast cultural treasures. China is number two on the UNESCO list with the most inscribed world heritage properties after Italy.