Digital tools deployed to preserve Xinjiang's ancient Kizil murals

The ancient kingdom of Qiuci, also known as Kucha, whose remains are distributed across Aksu prefecture and Luntai county in the Bayingolin Mongolian autonomous prefecture, had a thriving economy and an open, cosmopolitan culture that drew monks and pilgrims from across the ancient world. It also served as a military, political, and cultural hub for central Chinese dynasties in administering Xinjiang. Among its most influential figures was the monk Kumarajiva (344-413), who traveled to Chang'an and translated numerous Buddhist scriptures into Chinese. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014 as part of the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor item.

According to Zhao, a digital exhibition center is under construction about 7 km from the Kizil Cave-Temple Complex, where replicas and virtually restored caves will be presented side by side for comparison. Kizil's history and Qiuci's iconic mural art, song and dance, and architecture will be presented through immersive visual experiences. The main building is expected to be completed soon, with parts of the center set to open by the end of this year.