Dunhuang Grottoes is an ancient gallery of artistic treasures built over a thousand years ago. Now, the central government has fresh plans to help preserve the popular tourist attraction.

The restoration project includes stabilizing the walls of the caves, protecting the grottoes from wind and sand erosion, and protecting the murals.

Since it was recognized as a world cultural heritage site in 1987, Dunhuang Grottoes has been a hot tourist spot in northwestern China. But wind and sand is weathering the caves, and the murals in the grottoes also need attention. There have been six restorations of the grottoes since the 1950s.

The latest project will be the largest to date. It will cost 261 million yuan, or 37 million U.S. dollars, and it will be finished in 2011.

(China Daily January 15, 2009)