I lost in being more "Buddhist" than the murals in Dunhuang

When you open the pages of history, the unique weight of Dunhuang comes rushing back. It once occupied the throat and key point of the Silk Road, connecting the Central Plains in the east to the Western Regions in the west, becoming a "model of cultural exchange and mutual learning"; it also had China's earliest "customs." "Zhang Qian's selection" has since entered our dining tables; it has been carved and polished by generations of craftsmen for over a thousand years, with hundreds of caves becoming an art gallery in the desert... What other mysteries does Dunhuang hold? "I urge you to drink another cup of wine; west of Yangguan, there are no old friends." Many people, including myself, learned about Yangguan from this poem. The only historical relic left at Yangguan now is a Han Dynasty beacon tower site, standing tall on Dun Dun Mountain. But when standing there, gazing at the vast Gobi Desert ahead and the distant Altun Mountains 🏔️, you can feel the loneliness of leaving home, traveling alone to the frontier Western Regions, not knowing when you will return. The beauty of the Mogao Caves lies in their bold, brilliant yet harmonious and elegant colors. The multicolored celestial birds, the red-fading green-cooling flying apsaras, the dazzling and gorgeous jewels... the exquisite Dunhuang colors are ingrained in the aesthetic genes of the nation. The beauty of the Mogao Caves lies in their gentle, serene, yet lively aura. This Tang Dynasty painted Bodhisattva statue has strong, broad shoulders and a rounded face, embodying the plump beauty admired by the people of the Tang Dynasty. The slightly lowered eyes make it appear even softer and more peaceful. The beauty of the Mogao Caves lies in the intricate and refined details. The willows sway gently, the bamboo stands tall; just one glance brings a sense of vibrant life. Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake: a unique natural wonder. Crescent Lake is embraced by Mingsha Mountain, "sand and spring coexist, sand and water live together," forming a stunning landscape in the vast desert. For thousands of years, the spring water has neither been buried by drifting sand nor dried up, like a shining pearl in the desert. This magical scene makes one marvel at nature's craftsmanship. "See Dunhuang Again": focuses on dialogue and stage performance, with immersive scenes divided into small rooms. The entire plot revolves around the confessions of a betrayer and memories of Dunhuang's history, rich and delicate in emotion, with some breathtaking visuals. "Rhythm of Dunhuang": emphasizes exotic dances, projection scenery, and some traditional instrument displays (since the performers themselves do not play, but express through dance and background music, such as pipa sounds). It also includes aerial dance and small acrobatics. Personally, I think adding singing to make it a musical would make it less monotonous, and improving the dance precision would make it more spectacular. The first twenty minutes are immersive, mostly seated.

Post by CARLA MCDANIEL | Jul 10, 2025