At the 2nd Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo held eight years ago, the original animation series Legend of Dunhuang, produced by Gansu-based Net Digital Technology Group, enthralled audiences with its innovative portrayal of traditional culture through digital media.

A scene from the animation 'Legend of Dunhuang' [Photo provided to silkroadexpo.gogansu.com]

According to Nan Zhenqi, chairman of Net Digital, The Legend of Dunhuang is China's first animation to adapt the stories of Dunhuang murals into an accessible digital format, utilizing advanced technologies such as holographic imaging and glasses-free 3D displays.

The 12-episode series follows the journey of a modern archaeologist's son and a young girl from Dunhuang as they travel to a mythical realm. Together, they assist the Nine-Colored Deer in protecting the 'Dunhuang Wonderland,' preserving the essence of truth, kindness, and beauty embodied in Dunhuang culture for future generations.

"Told from a child's perspective, the series employs modern language and an adventurous narrative to bring the vivid mural stories to life," said a representative from Net Digital's creative team.

The animation took three years to produce, with Net Digital investing 20 million yuan ($2.76 million) in its creation.