The VR experience of the Dunhuang Mogao Cave 285 makes its debut on Wensan Road in Xihu district, Hangzhou. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A slice of the ancient splendor of Dunhuang – the renowned city in northwestern China – has arrived in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province.

Dunhuang city is celebrated for its rich history and cultural heritage, particularly its location on the ancient Silk Road and the Mogao Caves – a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Buddhist art and manuscripts.

On March 7, a virtual reality experience of the Dunhuang Mogao Cave 285 made its debut at the Wensan Road subway station, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in 1,400-year-old Buddhist art without traveling thousands of miles.

Using advanced VR rendering and dynamic lighting, the experience brings to life the vivid murals, celestial dancers and Buddhist sculptures hidden inside Cave 285 – a rarely accessible treasure.

Visitors can zoom in on intricate brushstrokes, play ancient instruments with celestial beings and interact with mythological figures, making heritage exploration much more engaging than ever.

The launch is part of the push by Xihu district for cultural-tech innovation, backed by a 50-million-yuan ($6.9 million) fund to support its creative industries. More VR-powered cultural experiences are set to follow in Xixi Wetland and Wensan Road – blending art, history and technology to reshape tourism in Hangzhou.

A visitor experiences the virtualized Dunhuang Mogao Cave 285 with VR devices. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]