The high-tech relic-protection project aims at saving some 2,000 engraved pictures from water erosion.

The protection plan is, for the first time in China's relic protection history, introducing water conservation measures to solve the water erosion of a cultural heritage.

The pictures inscribed on the cliff of Huashan Mountains which is 170 meters tall and 90 meters wide are believed by Chinese archeologists to be carved by the Luoyue people, ancestors of the Zhuang Ethnic Group, which has the largest population among ethnic groups in China.

With witchcraft rituals performed some 2,000 years ago, the cliff paintings engraved in crimson color have weathered profuse rains and storms, but they still carry flamboyant color and vivid figures, including various human figures in the shape of frogs and other animals, metal instruments, boats and roads.

An expert panel consisting of Chinese relic protection scholars from the Chinese Relics Research Institute and water conservation experts have arrived at the archeological site near Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to carry out the project.

The experts have brought with them meteorological and temperature digital cameras, application geographic radar, GPS equipment and other precision apparatus to operate a close research of the rock engravings.

Based on data transmitted from a digital camera, experts are now using computers to process the information on weather, surface temperature and photos of the world's largest cliff painting.

The experts will separately work out protection measures from their different scientific perspectives, which will be then categorized into two schemes, long-term protection and emergency measures, said Huang Huaiwu, a cliff painting relic expert.

Huang said that the intensified research shows some parts of the weathered surface of the cliff have flaked off, and water stains have eroded the stone carvings.

"Weathered rock and water erosion is inevitable for a cliff engraving located in this humid region," said Huang.

He explained that hydro-engineers will help build a water-proof wall inside the massif to prevent water from seeping out of the cliff and eroding the paintings.

Material experts have started on their experiment to synthesize an ideal material for the water-proof barrier, which is a new relic protection technique in the world.

The material to be effused into the cliff should be flexible, and suitable for replacement or renewal, according to the experts.

One of art forms in ancient China, cliff paintings usually present rituals, calligraphy and water painting masterpieces. Some huge and valuable pieces in the Helan Mountains and on cliffs along the Ancient Silk Road are regarded as peculiar in art.

Protection of ancient cliff paintings is a common conundrum in the international relics protection field, said Huang Kezhong, vice-director of the Chinese Relics Research Institute.

"The efforts done by Chinese relics protection workers in Huashan represents a valuable efforts," he said.

The experts said that the protection project in Huashan will be used as an example for the country to enhance cliff painting protection in the future.

(People’s Daily 01/19/2001)