Hang Kan, NPC Deputy: Cracking the Secrets of Protecting Ancient Grottoes

http://mp42.china.com.cn/video_tide/2025/3/6/2025361741255222855_408.mp4

Hang Kan’s journey intoarchaeology began in 1982 when he decided to studyarchaeology at Shanxi University.After graduation, hestarted his career at the Henan Institute of Ancient ArchitecturePreservation.In thoseearly years, he dedicated himself to measuringBuddhist niches in cave temples, uncovering hiddenhistorical mysteries.In 1992, he took his passion further by enrolling atPeking University, where he began in-depth research on the Yungang Grottoes. Hiswork has not only solvedmany academic challenges but also overturnedsome long-held theories.

In 1994, Hang Kan’s researchonthe Yungang Grottoes uncoveredthe mysteries of the five caves created by monk Tan Yao.Through meticulous archaeological observation, he discovered that the repair traces in the caves documented a thousand years of historical changes. These findings laid the groundwork for subsequent research and contributed to the development of the “Yungang Model”, which gained recognition in the academic community.

In the 21stcentury, Hang Kan has shifted his focus to cultural heritage conservation. Facing challenges such as weathering and water seepage, heintroduced advanced technologiesand pioneered an innovative mechanism that treats the rock mass as a “patient”, ensuringthe long-term preservation of the Yungang Grottoes. He is also an active advocate of digitalization, leveraginglaser scanning and VR technology to makethe grottoes’artistic valueaccessible to a wider audience.

While exploringnew methods and technologiesto conserve the YungangGrottoes, Hang Kan also strives to raise public awareness and engagemore people in the preservation efforts. He believes that the bestway to protect the grottoesis not toclosethem off,but to makeeveryone a guardian of history.

Executive Producer: Wang Xiaohui

Production Supervisor: Xue Lisheng

Co-Production Supervisor: Dai Fan

Line Producer: Yang Dan

Producer:Fang Xiaoqi

Director: Zheng Liang

Videographers: Li Wei

Post Producers: Liu Wei

Editor: Fang Xiaoqi

Supported by Gong'an County Media Center

Produced by China Figures, China Internet Information Center