Digital technology creates new possibilities to preserve Gongyi Grottoes

Along the Yellow River, Gongyi Grottoes — carved into Dali Mountain in Heluo town, Gongyi city — contain the only complete set of Emperor and Empress Worshiping the Buddha reliefs known to exist.

"These reliefs provide a vivid depiction of the life in Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534)," Yan Tiecheng, a historian of Chinese culture, said.

Yan noted that Gongyi Grottoes ranks among China's four surviving royal cave temple complexes, a distinguished group that include the Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Xiangtangshan Grottoes.

"However, Gongyi Grottoes offers what the others lack: a complete visual record of Northern Wei imperial ceremony, which is preserved in its original context," Yan added.

In addition, Flying Apsaras Reliefs, unlike the earlier depictions that are more robust, are noted for their slender figures, trailing ribbons, and faces adorned with slight smiles.