STORY: Int'l experts discuss cave temple conservation in China's Chongqing
DATELINE: Aug. 21, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:45
LOCATION: CHONGQING, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Dazu Rock Carvings
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): HE MANCHAO, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences
3. various of the Dazu Rock Carvings
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): AUSTIN BENJAMIN NEVIN, Professor of Courtauld Institute of Art in London, U.K.
5. various of the Dazu Rock Carvings
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): CECILIE CHRISTINE CHARLOTTE SMITH-CHRISTENSEN, Board Member of the International Council of Monuments and Sites

STORYLINE:

The International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation concluded on Monday in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, which is home to the renowned Dazu Rock Carvings.

During the three-day event, archaeologists and conservation experts from various countries discussed the protection of cave temples in the context of climate change.

The Dazu Rock Carvings feature an exceptional series of rock carvings dating from the 9th to the 13th century. They were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): HE MANCHAO, Academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences
"The protection of the Dazu Rock Carvings is very important. It's not only a problem for China, but also for the world. The protection of stone cultural relics are often related to materials. When it is impacted, the old material will break up. However, this new NPR material has no problem if an earthquake happens."

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): AUSTIN BENJAMIN NEVIN, Professor of Courtauld Institute of Art in London, UK
"It's real honor to be here because I had studied these carvings. I know about these carvings from books. But nothing is like seeing in real life. So it was really spectacular. And I was very impressed, not only by the carvings, but also by the amount of research that is happening. I think it's quite important because we're bringing together experts from different disciplines, and it's together that we will probably be able to find better solutions."

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): CECILIE CHRISTINE CHARLOTTE SMITH-CHRISTENSEN, International Council of Monuments and Sites
"The site is spectacular. But I would say that the interpretation and the guide helping us and telling us the story of the richness of the side that was amazing. That was very impressive. I think that the experts coming together and discuss the challenges and opportunities around grotto art preservation. It's specific, but it also has a great relevance to all UNESCO World Heritage Sites."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Chongqing, China.
(XHTV)