A district in China's southwestern Chongqing city boasts a unique hospital — the Dazu Rock Carvings Relic Hospital.

Dazu district is famous for the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a series of religious sculptures and carvings that go back to the seventh century. However, after weathering millennia of natural and human impact, this cultural legacy suffered significant damage and efforts began to restore and preserve this invaluable heritage.

The restoration was a collaborative effort by the Dazu Rock Carvings Relic Hospital, several Chinese universities and research institutions, who used advanced technology to "heal" these precious historical relics.

The restorers used 3D scans to assess the extent and type of damage and infrared spectroscopy to obtain details about the materials and coloring pigments used. The data collected laid the foundation for subsequent restoration plans.

Then the restorers used nanomaterials, which are widely used in art conservation today. Nanomaterials have excellent penetrability, adhesiveness and strength. They go deep into fissures and porous openings in the carvings and bond closely with the original material, enhancing its stability and durability. Some nanomaterials also decelerate erosion and ward off funguses and insects. Besides, since they allow light transmission, the appearance and texture of the restored objects remain unchanged.

Modern technology was complemented by traditional restoration craftsmanship. Experienced artisans specializing in rock carvings were invited to participate in the restoration to ensure that there were no discordant or anachronistic changes.

The result of the restoration was remarkable. Many of the damaged carvings regained their splendor and the work was praised by both domestic and international experts. A prime example of the successful restoration is the statue of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy who is regarded as one of the incarnations of the Buddha. Its splendor restored, the statue, the largest gilded, carved and painted cliff stone statue in China, is one of the most arresting sights in the area.

The success of the restoration technology offers valuable experience for the protection and restoration of other cultural relics.

As technology advances, future cultural relic restoration efforts will become more efficient and precise, enabling more historical legacies to be preserved and passed down to future generations.

Yimamujiang Batuer is from the 4th Excellence in Journalism and Communication Talent Training Internship Camp.