Virtual reality and decolonial practice: a case study of Dunhuang Mogao Caves

Virtual reality (VR) technology can shift the narrative around UNESCO World Heritage Sites from one of colonial loss to one that celebrates their artistic and spiritual grandeur, according to a case study of the Shenyou Dunhuang project. The research analyzed user-generated feedback from a digital reconstruction of Cave 61 in the Mogao Caves, revealing how VR facilitates 'digital repatriation' by recontextualizing the site's cultural significance. This finding highlights VR's potential to transform heritage narratives and foster cross-cultural dialogue, while also raising concerns about digital sovereignty and interpretive diversity. The study situates these insights within China's broader cultural policies, such as the Chinese Dream and Civilizational Exchange.

Song, Z., Liu, H., & Zhao, X. (2025). Virtual reality and decolonial practice: a case study of Dunhuang Mogao Caves. Museum Management and Curatorship, 40(6), 801–818. https://doi.org/10.1080/09647775.2025.2539089