Imagine what a marvelous experience it would be to dance with the celestial beings in the Dunhuang murals, and soar freely through the air. Enter the immersive exhibition hall of the Dunhuang Academy, and one can fulfill the dream of 'flying' into Cave 285 of the Mogao grottoes using VR devices.

Wave your left hand and the dim space will be illuminated by a bright light. As if floating in the air, visitors 'fly' to the top of the cave, where the previously towering cave ceiling is now easily observed.

Flying Apsaras holding lotus flowers, the Thunder God playing drums, the Rain God flying and bringing rain... the deities are all within reach.

Cave 285, built during the Western Wei Dynasty (535-556), is the earliest dated cave in the Mogao grottoes, and also referred to as the "Hall of the Gods". This cave primarily focuses on Buddhism but also incorporates elements of Taoism, Hinduism, Brahmanism and ancient Greek mythology. It serves as a testament to the culmination of these diverse cultures.

Cave 285 of the Mogao grottoes [Photo provided by the Dunhuang Academy]

"Dunhuang is the crystallization of cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. In my opinion, Cave 285 is the most classic, textbook-like representation of the convergence of diverse civilizations," said Zhang Yuanlin, deputy director of the Dunhuang Academy.

To carry forward Dunhuang culture, several generations of Mogao grottoe enthusiasts have attempted various methods to "recreate" Cave 285.

In the 1950s, prominent painters, including Duan Wenjie, spent about three years completing a full-scale copy of Cave 285.

Since the 1980s, the concept of "Digital Dunhuang" emerged. Mural details and cave structures could be digitally reproduced, allowing users to virtually explore the caves at the drag of a mouse.

In September 2023, a collaboration between the academy and an internet company made it possible to experience Cave 285 in an immersive way. Up to now, the digital Dunhuang immersive exhibition has welcomed nearly 4,000 tourists.

"Digital scanning, 3D reconstruction and other technologies have achieved a 1:1 restoration of Cave 285. Visitors are expected to get more satisfaction from the interactive experience," said Lei Zhengguang, deputy director of the cultural promotion department at the Dunhuang Academy.