Component Four: Presentation and Interpretation
Development and implementation of safe and appropriate visitation measures that will enhance the visitor experience.

Develop a strategy to manage visitation, including cave carrying capacity

Visitor carrying capacity is defined as the maximum number of people who can use a site on a daily basis without any alteration to the wall paintings and sculpture; without unacceptable change to or obstruction of the setting and natural environment; and while ensuring safety and the quality of the visitor experience. This is being undertaken as part of the application phase of the China Principles work at the Mogao Grottoes as a component of the master plan for the site.

The study is currently establishing the carrying capacity for the grottoes, specifically on identifying the link, if any, between visitors and resulting environmental changes that may cause deterioration. Environmental and deterioration monitoring are being employed to help establish visitation numbers in the caves. The results of the study will be applied to Cave 85 in instituting acceptable visitation guidelines.

Selection and installation of appropriate lighting

In consultation with lighting engineers in the United States and China, the project team has developed options for lighting of the cave. Simultaneous research is being undertaken on the light sensitivity of inorganic and organic colorants present in the cave. This research will impact decisions on safe and acceptable light levels.

Presentation and interpretation of the cave to visitors

A plan for presentation and interpretation of the cave to visitors is being prepared.