On July 5th, 2024, the fourth day of the International Summer Camp, students embarked on a full-day cultural expedition to Dazu. They visited Dazu Rock Carvings, the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

With expert’s guidance, participants were captivated by the allure of stone carving and recognized the intricacies of restoration efforts. The expert also emphasized that in a proactive approach to the conservation of the Dazu Rock Carvings, the Dazu Rock Carvings Research Institute established the Cultural Relics Hospital in 2022. This initiative is focused on conducting thorough assessments of the artifacts and developing sophisticated restoration plans, showcasing the advanced techniques and dedication in China's cultural heritage preservation.

Participants took photos of the Dazu Rock Carvings

Beyond merely 'curing' the relics, the students came to understand the paramount importance of preventive conservation, particularly in the face of escalating extreme weather events. The stone is susceptible to a range of threats including weathering, water damage, and erosion from biological secretions. Thus, bolstering the routine surveillance and maintenance of the carvings to potential harm has become a vital component in the preservation of the cultural legacy.

A participant shared that prior to his visit to China, he was aware of the collaborative research between the Academician Liu Hanlong's team from Chongqing University's School of Civil Engineering and the Dazu Rock Carvings Research Institute. Their joint research on advanced stone relic repair and sandstone cave consolidation in humid conditions has seen promising results from field trials. This experience deepened his expertise in restoration and sparked a strong commitment to cultural heritage preservation.

Group Photo at the Dazu Rock Carvings

During the Dazu Rock Carvings tour, the participants not only appreciated the exceptional charm of the stone carvings but also deeply understood the challenges involved in the restoration and maintenance.