As climate threats intensify across Asia, northwest China's Gansu Province is deploying next-generation meteorological systems to protect its 16,000+ vulnerable cultural relics. The initiative marks a paradigm shift from post-damage restoration to predictive preservation, blending artificial intelligence with cross-departmental coordination.
Through real-time weather monitoring networks and IoT-enabled risk assessment platforms, authorities now forecast potential threats to Mogao Caves and other Silk Road treasures weeks in advance. This year's early warning system successfully prevented rainfall damage to 7th-century murals at Maijishan Grottoes during July's historic monsoon season.
Cultural heritage director Li Wei explains: 'Our smart sensors track microclimate changes down to 0.1°C fluctuations – crucial for preserving pigment stability in ancient artworks.' The provincial government plans to expand the program to 38 additional sites by Q2 2026, creating a replicable model for arid regions worldwide.
