Lanzhou (CNS) -- The State Administration of Cultural Heritage approved on Thursday the Tianti Mountain Grotto Cultural Relic Protection Plan, a systematic preservation and renovation project of one of the earliest Chinese grottoes located in Wuwei, Gansu Province.
Also called Dafo Temple or "Big Buddha" temple, the grotto is located 50 km south of Wuwei at the north foot of Tianti Mountain, and was built 1,600 years ago during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317AD – 420AD). It has played an important role in the history of Chinese Buddhism.
However, the grotto has deteriorated significantly from constant exposure to the elements and other forces, and the inner frescos are fading, according to Wang Kui, director at the Tianti Mountain Grotto Cultural Relic Protection Institute.
The 1,590-year-old Jin Cave and 1,100-year-old Tang Buddhist Cave are pearls of Chinese history, said Wang.
Covering an area of 233 hectares, 100 million yuan will be invested in the three-phase project over 21 years.
Basic preparatory maintenance is already underway.
