China, rich in vibrant culture and undergoing rapid transformation, warmly invites global friends to explore its heritage and diverse landscapes. Recently, national broadcaster reporters interviewed various international visitors, gathering their thoughts and reflections before and after their travels in China.
One such visitor is Hannes Werner, a digital philology professor and Tocharian language expert from the University of Vienna. He recently embarked on his first journey to the historic city of Dunhuang, eager to witness the meeting point of history and modernity.
“I’m here to delve into Dunhuang studies,” Professor Werner explained. “I have always been intrigued by Dunhuang manuscripts, and I’m headed there next week. Engaging with everyone on these fascinating topics feels like the perfect way to start my adventure.”
Expressing his excitement, he continued, “I’ve never experienced Dunhuang or seen the caves before, so I’m really looking forward to this trip.”
Upon his arrival at the Mogao Caves, Professor Werner was elated to finally see the artifacts he had previously only read about. “Experiencing those murals in person was incredible, especially considering how well-preserved they are,” he shared enthusiastically.
Beyond exploring the physical caves, Werner also embraced the site through digital platforms. Advanced 3D technology vividly brought the architectural styles of Dunhuang murals to life.
Wearing VR gear, he ventured on a virtual exploration of the caves, effectively allowing him to “fly” around and interact with animated figures and musical instruments depicted in the murals. “This is my first experience like this, and I’m genuinely impressed,” he said. “The entire cave and the stories expressed through the murals truly came alive. It’s a fantastic approach to preserving cultural heritage, especially as it engages younger audiences with history.”
He highlighted the importance of an online platform that lets users “travel through time” to different historical eras and explore various classic caves. “The ‘Digital Dunhuang’ website is incredibly beneficial for me, and I’ll definitely recommend it to my students. I’m currently researching an ancient writing system that emerged in Xinjiang and appears in Dunhuang manuscripts. We aim to create a database to study how this script evolved across different regions and times. The more we understand our history, the better we can comprehend the present and work towards a sustainable and peaceful future.”
Amidst the quaint city of Dunhuang, Professor Werner also tapped into the local culture. American tourists he met spoke highly of the performances they witnessed: “The shows here are spectacular. We loved everything—the stage, the dance, the costumes. I enjoyed the music so much that I closed my eyes just to listen.”
An Australian visitor added, “We’re captivated by the ancient Silk Road and how different civilizations converged and interacted here. This legacy continues to resonate globally. I feel a connection to these diverse cultures through my travels.”
Reflecting on his experience, Professor Werner noted, “I cherished every moment of my visit to Dunhuang. The preservation and development of cultural heritage showcase the inclusiveness, openness, and mutual learning inherent in Chinese civilization. This exemplifies China’s method of intertwining historical culture with the present and ensuring its legacy for the future. I believe the global civilization initiative is a vital endeavor that promotes dialogue and interchange among varied cultures and political systems, which is essential for world peace and development.”
“I would love to collaborate on hosting a Dunhuang exhibition here,” he expressed. “I want people in this area to experience the cultural integration that I witnessed in Dunhuang.”
Melanie Malzahn, President of the Austrian Academy of Sciences Council, shared her enthusiasm for the prospect of a Dunhuang exhibition in Austria. “We not only hope to organize the exhibition but also to invite Chinese experts for collaborative exchanges.”
Nina Milnig, a board member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences Young Academy, added, “For those who can’t make it to Dunhuang, seeing cave artifacts in Austria would be amazing. It could inspire children and young people to travel and explore.”
