$43 million to build 'virtual' Mogao Grottoes

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-10-13 16:14

The Dunhuang Academy in Gansu province will invest 260 million yuan ($43 million) to build a scale replica of the Mogao Grottoes (also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas), China News Service reported.

During the National Day holidays, the grottoes received more than 5,300 visitors per day, and the legendary tourist destination is trying to manage the impact of tourism on its ancient Buddhist statues.

After discussion involving about 30 museum experts and architecture professionals from home and abroad, it was decided to build a "virtual" Mogao Grottoes as part of an expanded tourist service center.

The new structure, covering 11,825 sq m, will include a reception hall, a digital exhibition hall, a digital cinema, and a ball-screen cinema. The center will have a capacity of about 6,000 visitors per day when finished. The Dunhuang Academy is currently taking bids on possible construction plans.