Shanghai's Changning district will present the Dunhuang Culture and Art Public Benefit Exhibition on Oct 23, inviting art enthusiasts and cultural aficionados to explore the rich heritage of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Gansu province.

The exhibition is divided into four sections, showcasing the splendor of 1,600 years of Dunhuang cave art. Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of displays, including murals, painted sculptures, and musical instruments.

A highlight of the exhibition is the high-fidelity reproduction of Mogao Cave 220. The cave's history is as fascinating as its art. Originally adorned with thousands of Buddha paintings from the Song (960-1279) or Western Xia (1038-1227) periods, it revealed stunning early Tang Dynasty (618-907) murals beneath its surface when discovered by the Dunhuang Academy in 1944. This remarkable find has since earned it the title of the "most beautiful legendary cave".

In addition to Cave 220, the exhibition will bring to life Cave 285, known as "the pantheon of diverse cultures", where Eastern and Western deities are depicted together, and Cave 3, the only cave dedicated to Avalokiteshvara.

A collection of representative works from the early, middle, and late periods of Dunhuang murals will also be showcased, including the famed "Rebound Pipa". This piece portrays a dancer elegantly holding a pipa, the Chinese four-stringed lute, behind her back while engaging in a lively dance, providing deep insights into the dance and music of the Tang Dynasty.

The exhibition is part of the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the China Dunhuang Grottoes Conservation Research Foundation. It aims not only to highlight the foundation's achievements in promoting Dunhuang culture through public welfare but also to honor the "Mogao spirit" of dedication, courage, and cultural stewardship embodied by generations of Mogao Caves guardians.

If you go

• When: Until March 31, 2026
• Where: Yi Fung Place, No 199 Xianxia Road, Changning district
• Admission: Free
• Reservations: Available through the "何以敦煌 (The Great Art of Dunhuang)" WeChat service account.

Source: WeChat account of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism at "shanghaitourism"