The Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) mural from Cave 61 depicts ecliptical signs, with some resembling Western descriptions of zodiac constellations, such as Scorpius and Gemini.[Photo provided to China Daily]

His department includes more than 40 full-time employees specializing in fields ranging from archeology and chemistry to civil engineering and meteorology. They also use advanced technology and equipment such as scanning electron microscopes and ion chromatography trackers to study artifacts and cave site conditions.

The country's support for the academy's research along with international collaboration efforts, put it in a firm position to promote and develop Dunhuang's cultural heritage for the world, Yu said.

"Domestically, our cultural heritage is huge, so that in itself puts a heavy responsibility on us," he said.

For the academy's director, Zhao Shengliang, one of the main challenges now is nurturing and sustaining interest for heritage among the younger generation.

"Certainly, you see genuine passion among the young people for Dunhuang when they visit it," Zhao said.

Some of them even express interest in working at the academy, set in a serene, tranquil compound on the edge of the shifting sands of the Gobi Desert, he said.

"Once you get to see Dunhuang art and really understand it, you will like it. We need to encourage and tap that interest, to attract talent to take our development to the next stage."

Ma Jingna contributed to this story.