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Facing a deep dilemma

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STRIKING a balance between preservation and tourism has been a delicate issue faced by the Chinese Government in managing the world famous Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, according to Fan Jinshi, deputy director of the Dunhuang Academy.

Speaking at a forum organised by the Asia Society in Hong Kong, Ms Fan who has spent more than 30 years in researching and managing the grottoes, said the task still involved a learning process.

Made up of 492 caves, the Mogao Grottoes are considered a treasure-trove of Buddhist manuscripts, wall paintings and statues.

Some of these relics date back to as early as the 5th century.

The Mogao Grottoes were declared a national treasure by the State Council in 1961 and opened to tourists 18 years later.

Since then, Chinese and foreign tourists have flocked to Gansu to visit this world wonder.

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