The exhibition “Red Classics in Comic Books” was exhibited at the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall.The protection technology has implemented a number of important cave temple protection projects, such as Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, Dazu Rock Carvings, etc. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, more than 10% of the national special funds for cultural relics protection have supported the protection of grotto temples.400 million yuan, with over 2% of the national support for the construction of facilities for the protection and utilization of grotto temples.700 million yuan has effectively improved the preservation status of grotto temples. The Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes and other world heritage sites have received dignitaries and tourists from multiple countries, becoming important platforms to showcase the characteristics of Chinese civilization and strengthen international cultural exchanges.
However, due to historical debts and weak foundations, there are still some prominent problems in the current protection of grotto temples: the protection of small and medium-sized grotto temples lags behind, structural instability, weathering, water seepage, microbial diseases and other diseases are frequent, and some preservation conditions are poor. The criminal activities of stealing and cutting cultural relics from grotto temples, as well as illegal repainting of grotto temple statues, have occurred from time to time, and the security situation remains severe. The key technologies for protection and repair have not yet been breakthrough, the relevant project management systems are not scientific enough, and the comprehensive protection capacity needs to be improved. Some grotto temples overly emphasize tourism development, exceeding the carrying capacity of cultural relics. The cultural connotations of some grotto temples are not fully explored and interpreted, and the display level is not high. Professional researchers and protection technicians are relatively scarce and have serious gaps, making it difficult to provide effective support for the sustainable development of the cause.
The General Office of the State Council has issued the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening the Protection and Utilization of Grotto Temples, making comprehensive arrangements for the protection and utilization of grotto temples in the new era.
1、 Overall requirements
(1) Guiding ideology
(2) Basic principles
——Adhere to protection first and safety first. We must firmly uphold the important concept of protecting historical and cultural heritage, fulfill our responsibilities in accordance with the law, fulfill our duties diligently, and systematically carry out the protection of grotto temples, comprehensively eliminate major risks in grotto temples, and effectively curb cultural relics and diseases. Establish a sound long-term mechanism for the safety of cultural relics in grotto temples, implement strict security measures, prevent regulatory loopholes, crack down on cultural relics crimes, investigate illegal activities, and strengthen the defense line for cultural relics safety.
——Adhere to inheritance and promotion, and make reasonable use of it. Strengthen the research and interpretation of the historical heritage and cultural connotations of grotto temples, and use various forms of dissemination.700 million yuan has effectively improved the preservation status of grotto temples. The Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes and other world heritage sites have received dignitaries and tourists from multiple countries, becoming important platforms to showcase the characteristics of Chinese civilization and strengthen international cultural exchanges.
However, due to historical debts and weak foundations, there are still some prominent problems in the current protection of grotto temples: the protection of small and medium-sized grotto temples lags behind, structural instability, weathering, water seepage, microbial diseases and other diseases are frequent, and some preservation conditions are poor. The criminal activities of stealing and cutting cultural relics from grotto temples, as well as illegal repainting of grotto temple statues, have occurred from time to time, and the security situation remains severe. The key technologies for protection and repair have not yet been breakthrough, the relevant project management systems are not scientific enough, and the comprehensive protection capacity needs to be improved. Some grotto temples overly emphasize tourism development, exceeding the carrying capacity of cultural relics. The cultural connotations of some grotto temples are not fully explored and interpreted, and the display level is not high. Professional researchers and protection technicians are relatively scarce and have serious gaps, making it difficult to provide effective support for the sustainable development of the cause.
The General Office of the State Council has issued the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening the Protection and Utilization of Grotto Temples, making comprehensive arrangements for the protection and utilization of grotto temples in the new era.
1、 Overall requirements
(1) Guiding ideology
(2) Basic principles
——Adhere to protection first and safety first. We must firmly uphold the important concept of protecting historical and cultural heritage, fulfill our responsibilities in accordance with the law, fulfill our duties diligently, and systematically carry out the protection of grotto temples, comprehensively eliminate major risks in grotto temples, and effectively curb cultural relics and diseases. Establish a sound long-term mechanism for the safety of cultural relics in grotto temples, implement strict security measures, prevent regulatory loopholes, crack down on cultural relics crimes, investigate illegal activities, and strengthen the defense line for cultural relics safety.
——Adhere to inheritance and promotion, and make reasonable use of it. Strengthen the research and interpretation of the historical heritage and cultural connotations of grotto temples, and use various forms of dissemination.700 million yuan has effectively improved the preservation status of grotto temples. The Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes and other world heritage sites have received dignitaries and tourists from multiple countries, becoming important platforms to showcase the characteristics of Chinese civilization and strengthen international cultural exchanges.
However, due to historical debts and weak foundations, there are still some prominent problems in the current protection of grotto temples: the protection of small and medium-sized grotto temples lags behind, structural instability, weathering, water seepage, microbial diseases and other diseases are frequent, and some preservation conditions are poor. The criminal activities of stealing and cutting cultural relics from grotto temples, as well as illegal repainting of grotto temple statues, have occurred from time to time, and the security situation remains severe. The key technologies for protection and repair have not yet been breakthrough, the relevant project management systems are not scientific enough, and the comprehensive protection capacity needs to be improved. Some grotto temples overly emphasize tourism development, exceeding the carrying capacity of cultural relics. The cultural connotations of some grotto temples are not fully explored and interpreted, and the display level is not high. Professional researchers and protection technicians are relatively scarce and have serious gaps, making it difficult to provide effective support for the sustainable development of the cause.
The General Office of the State Council has issued the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening the Protection and Utilization of Grotto Temples, making comprehensive arrangements for the protection and utilization of grotto temples in the new era.
1、 Overall requirements
(1) Guiding ideology
(2) Basic principles
——Adhere to protection first and safety first. We must firmly uphold the important concept of protecting historical and cultural heritage, fulfill our responsibilities in accordance with the law, fulfill our duties diligently, and systematically carry out the protection of grotto temples, comprehensively eliminate major risks in grotto temples, and effectively curb cultural relics and diseases. Establish a sound long-term mechanism for the safety of cultural relics in grotto temples, implement strict security measures, prevent regulatory loopholes, crack down on cultural relics crimes, investigate illegal activities, and strengthen the defense line for cultural relics safety.
——Adhere to inheritance and promotion, and make reasonable use of it. Strengthen the research and interpretation of the historical heritage and cultural connotations of grotto temples, and use various forms of dissemination.According to the regulatory system, establish a national grotto temple resource data platform, conduct regular inspections and supplementary research, incorporate spatial information of grotto temple resources into the same level national land spatial basic information platform, establish a data sharing and dynamic maintenance mechanism, and provide basic support for protection and management.
Rescue protection project for small and medium-sized grotto temples: focusing on Sichuan and Chongqing, Hexi, Southeast Gansu, Xinjiang, Xizang, northern Shaanxi, Shanxi, Shandong and other regions, combined with the special survey results of national grotto temples, carry out rescue protection for small and medium-sized grotto temples that are really dangerous, adhere to small intervention, less disturbance, and eliminate major dangers through support, anchorage and other current reinforcement measures. For small and medium-sized grotto temples with poor conditions, protective fences and boundary markers will be added, and basic infrastructure such as daily maintenance and inspection trails will be constructed to improve the protection of infrastructure conditions.
Important grotto temple protection demonstration projects: A number of comprehensive cultural relics protection projects with significant impact and demonstration effect will be carried out in important grotto temples, such as Mogao Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, Dazu Rock Carvings, Maijishan Grottoes, Kizil Grottoes, Bozi Krik Grottoes, etc., emphasizing research first, strengthening multidisciplinary joint research, adopting dynamic design and information construction mode, and implementing scientific research in the whole process of protection.
(2) Implementing the “Safe Grottoes” Project to Improve Safety and Prevention Level
Strengthen the construction of security facilities, put forward technical requirements for the construction of security projects for grotto temples at different levels, standardize and optimize the construction of security systems for grotto temples, promote the full coverage of security guards for grotto temples and security facilities for key grotto temples, and set up regional security management platforms in densely distributed areas such as Sichuan and Chongqing, Hexi, southeast Gansu, Xinjiang, Xizang, northern Shaanxi, northwest Henan, and Shandong, implement important security demonstration projects for grotto temples, improve the security prevention and emergency response capacity of grotto temples, and enhance the risk monitoring and prevention and control level of grotto temples.
Implement a public announcement system for the direct responsible person for the safety of grotto temples. Promote the integration of safety prevention work in grotto temples into the framework of a three-dimensional social security prevention and control system, establish and improve a joint law enforcement inspection system, strengthen patrol prevention and control, and severely crack down on illegal and criminal activities such as destroying or damaging the grotto temple itself and its historical environment. Continuously improve the joint long-term mechanism for cracking down on cultural relics crimes, and include the theft and cutting of cultural relics in grotto temples as a key focus of the national special action against cultural relics crimes. Continuously recover stolen cultural relics from grotto temples and pursue lost cultural relics. Carry out special rectification work on illegal coloring, painting, and burning incense in grotto temples.
Column 2: Plan for Improving the Safety Prevention and Emergency Response Level of Grotto Temples
Strengthen risk monitoring and prevention in grotto temples, and strengthen safety management work. Establish a collaborative mechanism with the public security department, emergency management department, and natural resources department, promote the inclusion of grotto temple safety in the key scope of local social security, and implement safety responsibilities. Develop safety strategies for grotto temples in the research and development area, improve safety systems and facilities, and establish safety patrols for grotto temples.Inspect the system and effectively carry out the care and inspection of outdoor grotto temples. Promote the integration and innovation of safety and modern technology in grotto temples, and deepen the role of technological means such as 3D maps, satellite remote sensing, drones, and big data in the safety protection of grotto temples.
(3) Promote archaeological work in grotto temples, deepen academic research and value excavation
Strengthen archaeological research on Chinese grotto temples and organize the implementation of the “Archaeological China” medium – and long-term plan for Chinese grotto temple archaeology (2021-2035). We will promote archaeological surveys and archaeological excavation projects of key sites in Xinjiang, Hexi and Longdong, the eastern part of the northern Central Plains, Sichuan and Chongqing, and Xizang, and carry out academic research on such topics as the division and staging of Chinese grotto temples, localization and secularization of grotto temples, and exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations along the Silk Road in conjunction with field archaeological work. We will build an overall framework for research on Chinese grotto temple archaeology, establish a time-space framework for the spread of Chinese grotto temples and their development and evolution, compare and study the similarities and differences between Chinese grotto temples and those in Central Asia and South Asia, explore the impact of Chinese grotto temples on the spread of Buddhist culture and art in Northeast Asia, show the important position of Chinese civilization in the world civilization, and Chinese civilization. The cultural characteristics of learning from others, embracing everything, and innovating and developing. Support archaeological excavation and recording before the implementation of the grotto temple protection project, and coordinate research and protection work. Implement the publication project of archaeological reports for grotto temples, formulate guidelines for the compilation of archaeological reports for important grotto temples nationwide, and continue to promote the publication of archaeological reports for important grotto temples such as Dunhuang Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Maijishan Grottoes.
Column 3: Publishing Project of Archaeological Reports on Grottoes and Temples
Comprehensively promote the compilation of archaeological reports for key grotto temples, formulate guidelines for the compilation of archaeological reports for important grotto temples nationwide, and provide a basis for scientific research in various regions. By the end of 2022, the archaeological report format and sample draft for the Grottoes will be completed. By 2025, the archaeological reports for the Mogao Grottoes, Mogao Grottoes 256, 257, and 259 Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes Peak Buddhist Temple Site and Grottoes Front Site, Longmen Grottoes Dongshan Wanfo Gou District, Binyang Middle Cave, Guyang Cave, Kanjing Temple, and the northern area will be completed. The archaeological reports for the Maijishan Grottoes 74-78, 120-127, 153, and 158 will also be completed. Continuously promoting archaeological investigations of other grotto temples, publishing archaeological excavation reports on important grotto temples and temple sites, providing a basis for archaeological research, value interpretation, and cultural dissemination of grotto temples.
(4) Strengthen technological innovation, leverage technological support and leadership
Promote the construction of a scientific and technological system for the protection of grotto temples. Focusing on the forefront and long-term development of technology for the protection of grotto temples, focusing on major and urgent technological needs such as risk monitoring, disease investigation, anti weathering reinforcement, water damage management, and biological disease prevention and control, we will coordinate and deploy tasks such as the protection theory, key technologies, standard specifications, and research and development of protection equipment for grotto temples; Strengthen the protection materials and technology of grotto temples.Inspect the system and effectively carry out the care and inspection of outdoor grotto temples. Promote the integration and innovation of safety and modern technology in grotto temples, and deepen the role of technological means such as 3D maps, satellite remote sensing, drones, and big data in the safety protection of grotto temples.
(3) Promote archaeological work in grotto temples, deepen academic research and value excavation
Strengthen archaeological research on Chinese grotto temples and organize the implementation of the “Archaeological China” medium – and long-term plan for Chinese grotto temple archaeology (2021-2035). We will promote archaeological surveys and archaeological excavation projects of key sites in Xinjiang, Hexi and Longdong, the eastern part of the northern Central Plains, Sichuan and Chongqing, and Xizang, and carry out academic research on such topics as the division and staging of Chinese grotto temples, localization and secularization of grotto temples, and exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations along the Silk Road in conjunction with field archaeological work. We will build an overall framework for research on Chinese grotto temple archaeology, establish a time-space framework for the spread of Chinese grotto temples and their development and evolution, compare and study the similarities and differences between Chinese grotto temples and those in Central Asia and South Asia, explore the impact of Chinese grotto temples on the spread of Buddhist culture and art in Northeast Asia, show the important position of Chinese civilization in the world civilization, and Chinese civilization. The cultural characteristics of learning from others, embracing everything, and innovating and developing. Support archaeological excavation and recording before the implementation of the grotto temple protection project, and coordinate research and protection work. Implement the publication project of archaeological reports for grotto temples, formulate guidelines for the compilation of archaeological reports for important grotto temples nationwide, and continue to promote the publication of archaeological reports for important grotto temples such as Dunhuang Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes, Longmen Grottoes, and Maijishan Grottoes.
Column 3: Publishing Project of Archaeological Reports on Grottoes and Temples
Comprehensively promote the compilation of archaeological reports for key grotto temples, formulate guidelines for the compilation of archaeological reports for important grotto temples nationwide, and provide a basis for scientific research in various regions. By the end of 2022, the archaeological report format and sample draft for the Grottoes will be completed. By 2025, the archaeological reports for the Mogao Grottoes, Mogao Grottoes 256, 257, and 259 Grottoes, Yungang Grottoes Peak Buddhist Temple Site and Grottoes Front Site, Longmen Grottoes Dongshan Wanfo Gou District, Binyang Middle Cave, Guyang Cave, Kanjing Temple, and the northern area will be completed. The archaeological reports for the Maijishan Grottoes 74-78, 120-127, 153, and 158 will also be completed. Continuously promoting archaeological investigations of other grotto temples, publishing archaeological excavation reports on important grotto temples and temple sites, providing a basis for archaeological research, value interpretation, and cultural dissemination of grotto temples.
(4) Strengthen technological innovation, leverage technological support and leadership
Promote the construction of a scientific and technological system for the protection of grotto temples. Focusing on the forefront and long-term development of technology for the protection of grotto temples, focusing on major and urgent technological needs such as risk monitoring, disease investigation, anti weathering reinforcement, water damage management, and biological disease prevention and control, we will coordinate and deploy tasks such as the protection theory, key technologies, standard specifications, and research and development of protection equipment for grotto temples; Strengthen the protection materials and technology of grotto temples.expand
“Digital Grottoes” project: Develop standard specifications for data collection, processing, storage, and management in grotto temples. Promote the digital collection and exhibition of murals, colored sculptures, sculptures, statues, stone carvings, as well as overseas Chinese grotto temple cultural relics and Dunhuang documents, and establish a long-term mechanism for digital resource sharing and management. Promote digital display models such as Dunhuang and Longmen, select a group of important grotto temples, and create digital boutique display projects.
Construction of Grotto Temple Site Park and National Cultural Heritage Route: Combining with the national rural revitalization strategy, connecting the cultural relics resources of linear grotto temples, steadily promoting the construction of Sichuan Chongqing Grotto Temple Site Park and National Cultural Heritage Route in the Hexi Corridor. Encourage the construction of themed regional grotto temple site museums, thematic museums, and protection exhibition centers in key grotto temple areas with multiple locations and wide coverage, and improve the level of display and interpretation of existing site museums and thematic museums. Integrate the cultural relics resources of grotto temples, and create a joint exhibition, touring exhibition, and cloud exhibition boutique project for the Sichuan Chongqing grotto temple cluster and the Hexi Corridor grotto temple cluster.
(6) Innovate international cooperation models and promote excellent traditional Chinese culture
Tell the story of grotto temples well, spread the voice of China, showcase the brilliant civilization of China, and effectively play the important role of grotto temples in inheriting, promoting, and spreading excellent traditional Chinese culture. Innovate cooperation models, strengthen cooperation with countries along the Silk Road in the protection of grotto temples, carry out cooperation in the protection of Asian cultural heritage of grotto temples, and carry out Sino foreign cooperation in archaeological research and protection project consulting, protection technology, talent cultivation, and other aspects of grotto temple preservation. Plan a batch of high-quality cultural relics exhibition projects for grotto temples, shape the cultural dissemination brand of Chinese grotto temples, and jointly protect and inherit the excellent achievements of human civilization.
Deepen talent exchange in grotto temples, strengthen visits, studies, and exchanges with well-known institutions in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, promote joint education or training among domestic cultural and museum institutions, universities, international organizations, and well-known foreign institutions related to grotto temples, and promote exchange and research on the protection concepts, basic theories, and key technologies of grotto temples. Organize high-level international academic conferences on grotto temple themes to continuously enhance the brand effect and international influence of Chinese grotto temples.
(7) Promote institutional and mechanism reform and innovation, stimulate the vitality of protection research
Establish a research mechanism for coordinated protection of grotto temples at the national and regional levels. At the national level, establish a National Cultural Heritage Science and Technology Innovation Center and a Grotto Protection Research Center, and carry out national research on grotto temple protection policies, scientific and technological innovation, technological breakthroughs, and foreign cooperation and exchanges; Support the construction of the Dunhuang Research Institute into a model of world cultural heritage protection and a research highland of Dunhuang Studies; Rely on Yungang Research Institute, Longmen Grottoes Research Institute, Dazu Rock Carvings Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Qiuci Research Institute and other institutions to establish a regional protection research base, give play to the role of professional institutions in technical assistance and demonstration, and promote the “big belt”.The output management model of “small” and “one organization leads one area” realizes national coordination guidance and regional coordination interaction. Strengthen cooperation between cultural and museum institutions, universities, research institutes, and enterprises, promote deep integration of industry, academia, and research, and promote the transformation of scientific and technological achievements in the protection of grotto temples.
Improve the government procurement management methods for the protection and utilization of grotto temples. Promote the archaeology and restoration of grotto temples as service projects, select appropriate procurement methods based on project characteristics and the number of qualified units, comprehensively evaluate and select professional protection institutions. Optimize the management of cave temple protection projects and encourage the adoption of integrated design and construction; Innovate the management mode of small and medium-sized grotto temples, encourage them to choose professional protection institutions as project management units, responsible for project management and organization implementation, and improve the management and professional level of small and medium-sized grotto temples.
(8) Improve the talent education and training system, and build a stable talent pool
Build a talent training system for the protection and utilization of grotto temples with a reasonable structure and hierarchy. Cultivate a group of high-level talents in the protection and utilization of grotto temples, with a focus on leading talents. To cultivate a team of scientific research talents with technological research and development capabilities and technological application capabilities. Accelerate the construction of a skilled talent team with exquisite skills. Build a team of management talents who are familiar with the profession and have excellent quality. Establish a normalized training mechanism, strengthen the cultivation of talents in the protection and management, safety prevention, and display and utilization of grotto temples, and focus on improving the protection and utilization capacity, governance level, and professional ethics of grotto temples through education and training, observation and discussion, and on-the-job exchanges. Build a volunteer team for the protection of grotto temples and encourage social forces to participate in the protection of grotto temples.
Column 6: Construction of a talent training system for the protection and utilization of grotto temples
Cultivate leading talents in the protection and utilization of grotto temples: Promote the establishment of a national cultural, museum, and archaeological talent training plan, with grotto temple talent training as an important supporting content. Innovate talent incentive mechanisms, promote talent cultivation, talent introduction, and institutional construction. Support leading talents to participate in training, study abroad, attend academic conferences, etc. Select a group of leading talents and young innovative talents with outstanding abilities and achievements in the field of research and protection of grotto temples, and drive the construction of a research team with complete categories and outstanding research capabilities.
Cultivate scientific research talents for the protection and utilization of grotto temples: establish a scientific research base for the protection and utilization of grotto temples, increase investment, optimize management mechanisms, and promote the cultivation of scientific research talents for the protection and utilization of grotto temples through scientific research projects, engineering, and research topics. Carry out training, discussions, and exchanges for scientific research talents. Strengthen professional education on archaeology and protection of grotto temples. By relying on universities and professional institutions such as Peking University, Zhejiang University, Lanzhou University, Northwest University, Dunhuang Research Institute, and China Cultural Heritage Research Institute, a teaching system mainly focused on graduate education is established to cultivate high-quality talents in the fields of grotto temple archaeology, digitization, and protection technology.
Cultivating Skilled Talents in the Protection and Utilization of Grottoes and Temples: Improving Occupations.Education system, strengthen on-the-job training, and establish vocational education and training bases for cultural relics protection. Support vocational schools such as Luoyang Vocational and Technical College, Datong Coal Vocational and Technical College, and Lanzhou Vocational and Technical College to establish majors related to grotto temple protection, strengthen the construction of grotto temple protection technology majors and talent cultivation, and build platforms for industry education integration and school local cooperation. Promote the establishment and improvement of a vocational skill level system in the field of cultural relic restoration, and cultivate professional restoration technicians for grotto temples.
3、 Safeguard measures
(1) Strengthen organizational leadership
Fully implement the Guiding Opinions of the General Office of the State Council on Strengthening the Protection and Utilization of Grotto Temples, and strengthen the unified leadership and division of labor in the protection and utilization of grotto temples nationwide. Effectively strengthen the organizational leadership of planning implementation and establish a mechanism for overall coordination and promotion. Each region should combine the actual situation, clarify the responsible parties, formulate the implementation plan for the main goals and tasks related to the local area and department, clarify the division of tasks, refine the implementation content, and ensure that the major decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee are implemented effectively.
(2) Ensure adequate funding support
Improve the mechanism for ensuring the implementation of special funds, strengthen the coordination between fiscal budget and planning implementation, and strengthen the guarantee mechanism of finance at all levels for planning implementation. Increase the investment in special funds for the protection of small and medium-sized grotto temples, optimize the funding structure of grotto temples, a world heritage site and a national key cultural relic protection unit, and fully promote the balanced development of management and protection technology for small and medium-sized grotto temples in the area. Standardize and strengthen the management of financial funds for the protection and utilization of grotto temples, and improve the efficiency of fund utilization.
(3) Supervise the implementation of planning
Administrative departments for cultural relics at all levels should strengthen supervision over the implementation of plans, implement a “ledger style” management, establish a monitoring, evaluation, supervision, and dynamic adjustment mechanism for the implementation of plans, organize mid-term and final evaluations of plan implementation, and use the monitoring and evaluation results as an important basis for improving the protection and utilization of grotto temples and strengthening performance evaluation, in order to improve the effectiveness of plan implementation.