World Heritage Identification Number: 440
World Heritage since: 1987
Category: Cultural Heritage
WHE Type: Religious Sites & Sacred Architecture
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇨🇳 China
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
Map
Mogao Caves: A Journey Through Time Along the Silk Road
The Mogao Caves, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987, stand as a testament to the rich cultural exchange that took place along the ancient Silk Road. Located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang, an oasis town in Gansu Province, China, these caves serve as a unique repository of Buddhist art spanning more than a millennium.
The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, consist of 492 preserved cave sanctuaries and cells carved into the cliffs above the Dachuan River, at the eastern foot of Mount Mingsha. The site's strategic location along the Silk Road placed it at a crossroads of trade and religious, cultural, and intellectual influences. This position contributed greatly to its historical importance and to the artistic exchanges reflected in the caves.
The caves contain an extraordinary collection of Buddhist sculptures and murals dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries. The first cave was constructed in 366 CE, and the site continued to develop for roughly 1,000 years. This long period of artistic activity reflects changes in Buddhist art and religious expression across successive dynasties, as well as the influence of cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.
One of the most striking features of the Mogao Caves is the intricate detail and vibrant colors of the murals. The approximately 45,000 square meters of wall paintings depict Buddhist subjects, including scenes from Buddhist scriptures, images of the Buddha and bodhisattvas, and representations of the religious and social life of different periods. The murals also contain valuable evidence of everyday activities, clothing, architecture, music, travel, and trade, providing a broader picture of life in ancient China and Central Asia.
The sculptures found within the caves are equally impressive. More than 2,000 painted sculptures survive at the site, ranging from relatively small figures to monumental images of Buddhist deities. Their forms, colors, and styles changed over the centuries, reflecting developments in Chinese Buddhist art as well as artistic influences that reached Dunhuang from Central Asia and India.
In addition to their artistic significance, the Mogao Caves have provided valuable historical and archaeological information. The discovery of the Library Cave, sealed around the 11th century and rediscovered in the early 20th century, revealed tens of thousands of manuscripts and other cultural relics. These materials include Buddhist texts as well as documents relating to administration, commerce, literature, and everyday life, providing important evidence for the history of China and Central Asia.
The Mogao Caves also provide exceptional evidence of cultural exchange along the Silk Road. For approximately 1,000 years, the site played a significant role in artistic exchanges among China, Central Asia, and India. Some murals and sculptures reflect the integration of foreign artistic influences with Chinese traditions, while depictions of merchants, travelers, animals, and trade activities reveal the wider world connected by the Silk Road.
Today, the Mogao Caves continue to attract visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into the religious, artistic, and cultural history of ancient China. They also serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Silk Road and the movement of ideas, beliefs, artistic traditions, and people across Eurasia. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mogao Caves represent an extraordinary achievement in Buddhist art and an enduring record of cultural exchange over more than a thousand years.
UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Situated at a strategic point along the Silk Route, at the crossroads of trade as well as religious, cultural and intellectual influences, the 492 cells and cave sanctuaries in Mogao are famous for their statues and wall paintings, spanning 1,000 years of Buddhist art.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criteria (i): The group of caves at Mogao represents a unique artistic achievement both by the organization of space into 492 caves built on five levels and by the production of more than 2,000 painted sculptures, and approximately 45,000 square meters of murals, among which are many masterpieces of Chinese art.
Criteria (ii): For 1,000 years, from the period of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) to the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty (1276-1386), the caves of Mogao played a decisive role in artistic exchanges between China, Central Asia and India.
Criteria (iii): The paintings at Mogao bear exceptional witness to the civilizations of ancient China during the Sui, Tang and Song dynasties.
Criteria (iv): The Thousand-Buddha Caves constitute an outstanding example of a Buddhist rock art sanctuary.
Criteria (v): Occupied by Buddhist monks from the end of the 19th century up to 1930, the rock art ensemble at Mogao, administered by the Dunhuang Cultural Relics Research Institute, preserves the example of a traditional monastic settlement.
Criteria (vi): The caves are strongly linked to the history of transcontinental relations and of the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia. For centuries the Dunhuang oasis, near which the two branches of the Silk Road forked, enjoyed the privilege of being a relay station where not only merchandise was traded, but ideas as well, exemplified by the Chinese, Tibetan, Sogdian, Khotan, Uighur and even Hebrew manuscripts found within the caves.
Encyclopedia Record: Mogao Caves
The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes or Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, form a system of 500 temples 25 km (16 mi) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China. The caves may also be known as the Dunhuang Caves; however, this term is also used as a collective term to include other Buddhist cave sites in and around the Dunhuang area, such as the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Eastern Thousand Buddha Caves, Yulin Caves, and Five Temple Caves. The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years.Additional Site Details
Area: 23,392 hectares
Number of Components: 1
(ii) — Significant interchange of human values
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
(v) — Outstanding example of traditional human settlement
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: 40.13333 , 94.81667
Image
© Zhangzhugang, CC BY-SA 4.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Mogao Caves from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
-
The Impact of Augmented Reality Tourism on Tourist Experience and Behavior —A Case Study of the Mogao Caves Cultural Heritage
Augmented reality (AR) tourism significantly enhances visitor experiences and behavioral intentions at the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its cave art. Research reveals that high-quality content, system stability, and interactive design in AR applications positively influence tourist satisfaction and engagement, often surpassing expectations. These findings underscore AR's potential to balance heritage conservation with tourism development, offering new opportunities for sustainable cultural preservation. The study employed a quantitative approach, analyzing 400 offline questionnaires using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to validate relationships between AR factors, tourist experiences, and behavioral intentions.
Li, J., & Kieanwatana, K. (2024). The Impact of Augmented Reality Tourism on Tourist Experience and Behavior —A Case Study of the Mogao Caves Cultural Heritage. International Journal of Sociologies and Anthropologies Science Reviews, 4(5), 103–122. https://doi.org/10.60027/ijsasr.2024.4645
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
A Study on the Influence of the 8th Century A.D. Image of Feitian in the Mogao Caves on the Character Design of Modern Chinese Films
Modern Chinese film character design draws significant inspiration from the Flying Sky image of the 8th century A.D. at the Mogao Caves, demonstrating how traditional art can be innovatively reinterpreted through contemporary media. This study reveals that while direct copying of ancient art may not fully capture its potential, revolutionary inheritance—such as dissemination via modern platforms—enhances its cultural value and artistic impact. Researchers employed observational analysis, investigation, and comparative stylistic examination to bridge historical aesthetics with modern animation techniques, highlighting the Mogao Caves' murals as a rich resource for contemporary creative expression.
Jin, J., & Sharudin, S. A. B. (2023). A Study on the Influence of the 8th Century A.D. Image of Feitian in the Mogao Caves on the Character Design of Modern Chinese Films. Art and Society, 2(6), 76–80. https://doi.org/10.56397/as.2023.12.10
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Body, Scale, and Space: Study on the Spatial Construction of Mogao Cave 254
A study of Mogao Cave 254 reveals how the spatial constraints and scale of the cave influence pilgrim behavior and time–space perception, offering new insights into the architectural and religious significance of Buddhist caves. Researchers analyzed the relationship between body scale, pilgrim movement, and temporal perception using a space model derived from previous measurements. This approach integrates design, construction, and usage phases to demonstrate how physical dimensions shape spiritual experience. The findings underscore the cave's dual value as both a material heritage site and a carrier of intangible cultural expressions, providing a framework for preserving its layered historical and religious significance.
Wang, W., & Yan, A. (2023). Body, Scale, and Space: Study on the Spatial Construction of Mogao Cave 254. Religions, 14(7), 953. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14070953
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Design of the Mogao Caves Caisson and Its Application to Modern Interior Design
Combining traditional caisson motifs from the Mogao Caves with modern interior design enhances aesthetic and humanistic value while enriching emotional expression. This study demonstrates that such integration is feasible, breaking conventional design constraints and revitalizing contemporary design. Researchers used observational and case study methods to analyze the application of these ancient patterns in modern contexts, revealing their potential to elevate both artistic quality and cultural significance.
Jin, J., & Sharudin, S. A. (2023). Design of the Mogao Caves Caisson and Its Application to Modern Interior Design. Global Journal of Emerging Science, Engineering & Technology, 1(1), 26–36. https://doi.org/10.56225/gjeset.v1i1.18
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Effect of abnormal weather on the microenvironment of Mogao Cave 285, Dunhuang
Extreme weather events, particularly abnormal humidity and temperature shifts, significantly threaten the preservation of cultural heritage sites such as the Mogao Caves. A 30-year meteorological analysis of Dunhuang, combined with a one-year monitoring cycle of Cave 285, revealed that prolonged high humidity—even in summer—can push cave relative humidity to unsafe levels above 80%, posing risks to the murals. Modeling confirmed that while abnormally high temperatures do not worsen conditions, sustained low temperatures or high humidity disrupt microclimate stability. Critical findings indicate that dehumidification measures are essential when humidity exceeds thresholds for more than a week, as recovery to safe levels can take up to four days. This study underscores the urgent need for adaptive conservation strategies in response to climate-induced environmental fluctuations.
Jiang, X. Y., Xie, H. R., Zhang, R. H., Luo, Z. H., Zhang, Z. M., & Li, Y. H. (2023). Effect of abnormal weather on the microenvironment of Mogao Cave 285, Dunhuang. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2654(1), 12007. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2654/1/012007
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Research on the Tiles with Patterns of Dunhuang Mogao Cave Art, China
Dunhuang's patterned tiles, unearthed from Sui, Tang, and Yuan dynasty tombs, hold significant ornamental value as integral components of Dunhuang's architectural art. This study reveals their historical evolution and enduring cultural impact, blending individual design with overall architecture. Through field investigations at the Dunhuang Museum and literature reviews, researchers analyzed tiles across various periods to highlight their role in Dunhuang's artistic heritage.
Chen, Y. (2023). Research on the Tiles with Patterns of Dunhuang Mogao Cave Art, China. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Culture, Design and Social Development (CDSD 2022), 146–153. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-018-3_14
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Spatial Dunhuang: experiencing the Mogao Caves
A novel approach to experiencing the Mogao Caves has been introduced through 'Spatial Dunhuang.' This method leverages spatial technologies to enhance the visitor's engagement with the caves' rich cultural and historical significance. The study highlights how immersive spatial experiences can deepen the understanding and appreciation of heritage sites by integrating digital elements with physical exploration. By focusing on the Mogao Caves, renowned for their Buddhist art and architecture, the research demonstrates the potential of spatial technologies to transform traditional tourism into a more interactive and educational journey.
Liu, C. (2023). Spatial Dunhuang: experiencing the Mogao Caves. Asian Studies Review, 48(4), 888–889. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357823.2023.2208805
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
BuddhistRoadPaper 5.6 "Light on ‘Art in the Dark’: On Buddhist Practice and Worship in the Mogao Caves"
A critical reassessment of Robert Sharf's controversial thesis on the Mogao Caves challenges the notion that these Buddhist sites were purely memorial or funerary spaces, arguing instead for their active role in worship and ritual practice. The study scrutinizes Sharf's evidence and speculations, which suggest caves like Mogao were left in darkness to serve as ancestral memorials rather than places of living religious activity. By analyzing cave-art and ritual practices across the Sinitic cultural sphere, this paper aims to clarify the true purpose and function of these sites, with implications for understanding Buddhist ritual traditions and cave-art interpretation.
Sørensen, H. H. (2022). BuddhistRoadPaper 5.6 “Light on ‘Art in the Dark’: On Buddhist Practice and Worship in the Mogao Caves”. BuddhistRoad Papers. https://doi.org/10.46586/rub.br.200.177
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Materialized Wishes: Long Banner Paintings from the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang
Long banner paintings from Cave 17 of the Mogao Caves, dating back to the ninth and tenth centuries CE, serve as materialized forms of longevity and prosperity. These banners, characterized by their extraordinary length—up to forty-nine chi—and the depiction of multiple bodhisattvas on silk strips, were likely used by donors to fulfill wishes for good health, extended life, sin elimination, and rebirth in the Pure Land. The study examines the physical traits of these banners, including textiles, pigments, and configurations, alongside Buddhist and Daoist scriptures about longevity and repentance. By analyzing the relationship between the banners' materiality and their religious function, the research suggests that the lengthening of the silk strips symbolically extended the donor's lifespan, while the depiction of bodhisattvas amplified spiritual benefits.
Hwang, Y. (2022). Materialized Wishes: Long Banner Paintings from the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang. Religions, 14(1), 58. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14010058
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Influence of light environment on deterioration of mural paintings in Mogao Cave 285, Dunhuang
Mural paintings in Mogao Cave 285, part of the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, China, exhibit significant deterioration due to environmental factors. Research reveals that hygrothermal conditions and light exposure—particularly UV irradiation—accelerate physical damage such as cracking and color changes, with organic pigments showing pronounced chroma saturation shifts. Experimental simulations on Bengal red, lapis lazuli, and other pigments demonstrated distinct vulnerability patterns: cracks formed predominantly in Bengal red, while salt-induced white crystals emerged universally across pigment layers. The study highlights the critical role of environmental control, especially post-collapses like the one affecting Cave 285's entrance hall, in preserving these irreplaceable cultural artifacts.
Ogura, D., Nakata, Y., Hokoi, S., Takabayashi, H., Okada, K., Su, B., & Xue, P. (2019). Influence of light environment on deterioration of mural paintings in Mogao Cave 285, Dunhuang. THERMOPHYSICS 2019: 24th International Meeting of Thermophysics and 20th Conference REFRA, 2170, 20013. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5132732
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
The effects of windblown sand on the deterioration of mural paintings in cave 285, in Mogao caves, Dunhuang
Windblown sand, driven by high-velocity winds, is a significant factor in the deterioration of mural paintings on the east wall of Cave 285 in the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves. Despite being less exposed to moisture and solar radiation compared to other walls, the east wall exhibits notable damage, including detachment, flaking, and fading, attributed to sand adhesion and collision. This study highlights the dual impact of wind velocity on both the physical structure and artistic integrity of the murals, offering critical insights for conservation efforts in arid environments.
Mikayama, A., Hokoi, S., Ogura, D., Okada, K., & Su, B. (2018). The effects of windblown sand on the deterioration of mural paintings in cave 285, in Mogao caves, Dunhuang. Journal of Building Physics, 42(5), 652–671. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744259118782540
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Digitizing Dunhuang Cultural Heritage: A User Evaluation of Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library
A user evaluation of the Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library (DL) reveals that while it effectively supports simple information-seeking tasks, its performance declines with more complex queries. The study, one of the first to assess cultural heritage digital libraries from a user experience perspective, identifies specific usability issues through statistical analysis and qualitative interviews. It proposes improvements for better user engagement and serves as a methodological reference for evaluating visually centered digital heritage resources.
Hu, X., Ho, E. M. Y., & Qiao, C. (2017). Digitizing Dunhuang Cultural Heritage: A User Evaluation of Mogao Cave Panorama Digital Library. Journal of Data and Information Science, 2(3), 49–67. https://doi.org/10.1515/jdis-2017-0014
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Effects of Drifting Sand Particles on Deterioration of Mural Paintings on the East Wall of Cave 285 in Mogao Caves, Dunhuang
Research at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mogao Caves identifies wind-driven sand particles as a significant contributor to the deterioration of mural paintings, particularly on the east wall of Cave 285. The study highlights that collision and adhesion of drifting sand particles accelerate the degradation process, posing a threat to the preservation of these irreplaceable Buddhist artworks. Investigators employed a methodical approach to analyze the impact of sand particles on the paintings, focusing on their physical interactions with the surface. This finding underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate environmental factors affecting the caves' integrity.
Mikayama, A., Hokoi, S., Ogura, D., Okada, K., & Su, B. (2015). Effects of Drifting Sand Particles on Deterioration of Mural Paintings on the East Wall of Cave 285 in Mogao Caves, Dunhuang. Energy Procedia, 78, 1311–1316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2015.11.146
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
I-m-Cave: An interactive tabletop system for virtually touring Mogao Caves
An innovative multitouch tabletop system, i-m-Cave, revolutionizes virtual exploration of the Mogao Caves by integrating tangible interaction and artifact restoration. The system enables users to navigate intricate cave corners using a unique figurine with human-like neck movements, enhancing immersive exploration. Additionally, it allows for the visualization of artifact aging and restoration through midair gestures and mobile devices, providing insights into the evolution of artifacts over time—an experience unattainable in physical tours. Expert evaluations confirmed the system's effectiveness, highlighting its potential to enrich cultural heritage engagement.
Huang, D.-Y., Chen, S.-C., Chang, L.-E., Chen, P.-S., Yeh, Y.-T., & Hung, Y.-P. (2014). I-m-Cave: An interactive tabletop system for virtually touring Mogao Caves. 2014 IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo (ICME), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1109/icme.2014.6890233
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
The Sinicization of Dunhuang Mogao Cave Buddhist Art
The Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, China, serve as a visual record of the sinicization process of Indian Buddhism, illustrating how Chinese culture assimilated foreign elements while maintaining its distinct identity. The study highlights the fusion of traditional Han Chinese architectural and artistic styles with Indian Buddhist motifs, such as stupas integrated into wooden structures, reflecting a dynamic cultural exchange during the turbulent period following the collapse of the Han Dynasty (220 AD). Murals and sculptures in Caves 257 and 428 demonstrate this syncretism, including multi-story stupas surrounded by smaller ones, symbolizing the growing complexity and sacred value of Buddhist architecture. The research underscores the rapid acceptance of Chinese Buddhism across East Asia, despite initial resistance to Indian philosophical traditions.
Katsuaki, Ō. (2014). The Sinicization of Dunhuang Mogao Cave Buddhist Art. International Journal of Korean History, 19(1), 47–66. https://doi.org/10.22372/ijkh.2014.19.1.47
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Spatial user interface for experiencing Mogao caves
A novel spatial user interface, Pure Land AR, enables immersive virtual exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mogao Caves using handheld devices. This installation leverages augmented reality (AR) to provide users with an interactive experience, allowing them to virtually visit and engage with the historic site. Deployed in museums and galleries, it demonstrates the potential for spatial interfaces to enhance cultural heritage accessibility. User responses indicate positive reception, highlighting the effectiveness of this approach in bridging physical and digital experiences.
Chan, L. K. Y., Kenderdine, S., & Shaw, J. (2013). Spatial user interface for experiencing Mogao caves. Proceedings of the 1st Symposium on Spatial User Interaction, 21–24. https://doi.org/10.1145/2491367.2491372
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
“Pure Land”: Inhabiting the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang
Two innovative exhibition installations, 'Pure Land: Inside the Mogao Grottoes at Dunhuang' and its augmented reality edition, offer immersive digital experiences of Cave 220, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its vulnerable yet invaluable collection of paintings and sculptures. By integrating high-resolution archaeological datasets—including photography and 3D models—with interactive display systems, these installations provide visitors with transformative, personalized encounters that advance cultural heritage preservation. The projects exemplify new strategies for interpreting heritage landscapes, leveraging phenomenology and panoramic immersion to redefine virtual heritage experiences.
Kenderdine, S. (2013). “Pure Land”: Inhabiting the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang. Curator: The Museum Journal, 56(2), 199–218. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/cura.12020
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Actors and the multiple imaginaries on the tourist sites: a case study of the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, China
Tourism imaginaries at UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not merely individual constructs but are shaped by actors' practices and socially negotiated. A study of the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, China, reveals three dominant symbolic spaces—art, national, and religious—that each engage distinct tourism imaginaries and practices. The research extends Tim Edensor's framework by integrating 'actors' into the analysis, demonstrating how these imaginaries coexist, compete, or align within a single site. The Dunhuang Academy emerges as an institutional actor whose practices reflect a network of meaning composed of diverse imaginaries, often referencing different imagined geographies. This approach highlights the complexity and dynamism of tourism imaginaries in heritage sites.
Ku, M.-C. (2011). Actors and the multiple imaginaries on the tourist sites: a case study of the Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, China. Journal of Tourism and Cultural Change, 9(3), 217–225. https://doi.org/10.1080/14766825.2011.620120
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Molecular characterization of airborne fungi in caves of the Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang, China
A year-long study of the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Dunhuang, China, revealed significant seasonal and spatial variations in airborne fungal communities. The research identified 11 dominant fungal genera, with Cladosporium being the most prevalent, followed by Fusarium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus. Fungal abundance and diversity were strongly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and visitor activity. The study used molecular techniques—specifically ITS sequencing—to analyze samples collected monthly from four distinct cave environments (open, semi-open, closed, and entrance) between 2008 and 2009. Findings highlight the dynamic interplay between microclimate, human presence, and fungal ecology in this culturally significant but ecologically sensitive site.
Wang, W., Ma, X., Ma, Y., Mao, L., Wu, F., Ma, X., An, L., & Feng, H. (2011). Molecular characterization of airborne fungi in caves of the Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang, China. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 65(5), 726–731. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2011.04.006
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Family Space: Buddhist Materiality and Ancestral Fashioning in Mogao Cave 231
Mogao Caves, particularly Cave 231, exhibit a unique integration of family references into Buddhist art and architecture from the ninth century, representing a significant shift in medieval Chinese religious space. This study reveals that cave temples served as hybrid spaces where ancestral commemoration and Buddhist devotion intersected through figural representations, epigraphic inscriptions, and decorative elements like domestic furniture. By analyzing these visual and textual cues, researchers demonstrate how Mogao Caves functioned as a multifacetional environment, blending the sacred with familial memory while bridging the boundaries between image, object, and architecture.
Kyan, W. (2010). Family Space: Buddhist Materiality and Ancestral Fashioning in Mogao Cave 231. The Art Bulletin, 92(1-2), 61–82. https://doi.org/10.1080/00043079.2010.10786140
View Publication Record | Read Publication -
Seasonal dynamics of airborne fungi in different caves of the Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang, China
A study on the Mogao Caves reveals that visitor activity significantly influences airborne fungal concentrations and compositions. Researchers found higher levels of culturable fungi, particularly Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., and Aspergillus spp., in closed caves (CC) and outdoor areas (OD), with seasonal variations peaking in summer and autumn. Positive correlations were observed between fungal levels and temperature or visitor numbers, while negative correlations were noted with relative humidity and rainfall. This insight underscores the importance of considering human impact in conservation efforts for such heritage sites.
Wang, W., Ma, X., Ma, Y., Mao, L., Wu, F., Ma, X., An, L., & Feng, H. (2010). Seasonal dynamics of airborne fungi in different caves of the Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang, China. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 64(6), 461–466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2010.05.005
View Publication Record | Read Publication
