The Dunhuang Academy carries out conservation, research, promotion and management of the Mogao Grottoes, the Yulin Grottoes and the Xiqianfo Grottoes. Scholars at the academy specializing in Dunhuangology do research on Mogao history, archeology, religion, ethnology and arts – including painting, painted sculptures, music and dance – as well as apparel and furniture. In the past decade they have published 35 books. The academic periodical Dunhuang Research has published 137 issues since 1983.

Fan graduated from Peking University in the 1960s with a Ph.D. in archeology. She is hence parts of Central Asia. The Dunhuang Grottoes thus showcase the fruits of multi-cultural convergence. Fan cited a bird appearing on the murals that is strikingly similar to the Siren image of Greece; also the lines of a Buddhist robe that resembles the cassocks worn by ancient Greeks. The two details draw a distinct parallel between Dunhuang and Greek culture.

During her lecture in Egypt, Fan talked about glassware. “We had glassware in ancient times, but it was not transparent. But glassware featured in Dunhuang murals is indeed transparent, very likely from ancient Egypt.” Fan also mentioned the konghou, an ancient musical instrument seen in the murals similar to the ancient Egyptian harp on display at the Louvre. She believes the instrument was invented in Egypt, and spread to West Asia, India, Central Asia and eventually to Dunhuang.

Dunhuang Impressions – Exhibition of Chinese Culture opened in November 2012 in Istanbul, another hub on the Silk Road. Over the past two or more years, the Dunhuang culture has become prominent in China’s international cultural exchanges. In 2012 the dance drama Dream of Dunhuang toured Southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Tokyo and Akita of Japan. The latter country is the largest source of visitors, according to guides at the Mogao Grottoes. In January 2013, a 3D version of the Dunhuang murals was screened in Washington, D.C.

In addition to conservation, research and tourism, Fan’s work also focuses on the demands of the future. She believes a world-class heritage museum should include four aspects. They are: a first-class heritage collection; conservation; research; and exhibitions and service. In other words, collection and conservation are primary concerns, and social aspects like exhibitions and communications constitute the fundamental objective. The objective of conservation of the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes is, according to Fan, “To protect and conserve this treasure for posterity.”