'Digital donors' the new saviors of Mogao Grottoes

Since the foundation began in 1994, it has received funding from individuals, companies and institutions both at home and abroad. However, in recent years most of the costs of maintaining the grottoes have been covered by government subsidies.

The funding is used for restoration and maintenance work, scientific research, improvement of the surrounding environment, cultural inheritance and promotion, digital exhibitions and staff training, Yang said.

For the sake of openness and transparency, the foundation tells donors how their funds are being spent. Information on donations, their use, and financial reports are also available on the foundation's website, he added.

One of their first donors was the late Japanese painter Hirayama Ikuo. He visited the Mogao Grottoes in 1979 and developed an interest in the ancient Silk Road, Buddhism and Dunhuang culture. He visited Dunhuang multiple times, and donated equipment to protect the treasures. Revenue from one of his art exhibitions was given to the Dunhuang Academy, which helped build the foundation.

Ma Ruimin and Jiang Linhong, a couple from Shanghai, donated 3 million yuan to the foundation, saying they were deeply impressed by the grottoes' art and hoped to contribute more in the future. "It's what we have wanted to do for a long time. And it's just the beginning of our part in retaining and promoting the value of the Mogao Grottoes," Ma said.

Matuki Kazumichi, from Japan, visited Dunhuang in 2004 and donated $2,000 to the Dunhuang Academy every year until 2010. Since then, he has donated 100,000 yen ($913) to the foundation annually.

"Though I cannot contribute more, I want to express my love for Dunhuang culture and make efforts in the relics' protection," he said, while making his donation.