A Glimpse of Chinese Modernization in Millennia-old Heartland

Guests take photos at Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Nov. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

ZHENGZHOU, May 22 (Xinhua) -- As dusk settled over the rooftops of a Tang-Dynasty-style pavilion, a fleet of glowing drones ascended into the darkening sky, their synchronized flight tracing luminous patterns above curved eaves and cobblestone streets. The past and future met midair in this manner in a city known for its 4,000 years of history.

This city is Luoyang, a former capital of 13 dynasties in Chinese history and now a vibrant cultural landmark and manufacturing hub in central China's Henan Province.

"If you wish to know the rise and fall of past and present, just look at Luoyang," remarked Sima Guang, a renowned Chinese historian of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), noting that the evolution of the city itself reads like a living chronicle of Chinese history.

Today, Luoyang is reintroducing its rich legacy to the world by blending timeless heritage with cutting-edge technology, and fueling growth in its high-end manufacturing sector through innovation.

Nowhere is this fusion of history and innovation more evident than at the Longmen Grottoes, an over 1,500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to one of the world's largest collections of stone carvings and Buddhist sculptures.

In recent years, China has made remarkable strides in preserving and revitalizing its cave temples through structural reinforcement, environmental improvements and digital conservation.

The Longmen Grottoes have led the way, launching a series of pioneering digital restoration projects. Using ground-penetrating radar, infrared imaging and 3D scanning technologies, researchers successfully completed major restoration work on Fengxian Temple, one of the site's most iconic landmarks, revitalizing this remarkable feat of sculpture via high-tech craftsmanship.

"We have been building a 'digital archive' since 2005 to protect the ancient Buddhist cave art using advanced technologies," said Gao Junping, director of the information and documentation center of Longmen Grottoes Research Institute.

"In the past, traditional methods such as mold casting and rubbings could cause damage to the artifacts," Gao said. "Now, with technologies like 3D printing, we can replicate relics without harm, which not only preserves the originals but also enhances our conservation and research efforts."

But preservation is only part of the story. Bringing ancient art "to life" has become another central mission. By building 3D databases, innovating exhibition methods and expanding digital tourism experiences, Luoyang is making its cultural wonders more accessible than ever.

On the Cloud Longmen WeChat mini-program, for example, users can explore landmarks like Yuwang Pool, Qianxi Temple and Binyang Cave virtually -- all from the comfort of their homes.

Benefiting from its rich historical legacy and driven by innovative cultural tourism practices, Luoyang is positioning itself well for a bright future in culture-tourism integration. The city is steadily advancing the high-quality development of its cultural tourism sector, aiming to turn it into a pillar industry and a source of public well-being.

In 2024, Luoyang received a total of 153 million tourist visits, generating 120.86 billion yuan (about 16.8 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue, up 13.48 percent and 16.02 percent year on year, respectively.

Tourists visit Lijingmen scenic spot in Luoyang City, central China's Henan Province, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Li Weichao/Xinhua)

While Luoyang's ancient treasures draw global tourists, its modern identity is equally defined by industrial innovation. The same innovative spirit that preserves millennia-old grottoes now powers factories and labs, driving high-end manufacturing.

Long associated with "firsts" in New China's industrial history, from the first automobile gearbox bearing to the first tracked tractor, Luoyang has enriched its legacy through industrial renewal.

Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd., formerly a factory established during China's inaugural five-year plan period (1953-1957), is among the notable trendsetters.

The company consistently leads the industry in terms of R&D investment. It houses China's first nationally certified enterprise technology center and the only national key lab in the bearing sector. With comprehensive research and testing platforms, the company maintains a commanding position in bearing design, manufacturing and quality control.

"Bearings may look simple, but the precision required is measured in microns," said Wang Xinying, chairman of the group. "Our bearings can reach speeds of up to 120,000 revolutions per minute and are now used in major technologies like large-scale wind turbines -- strengthening our leadership in the industry."

In October 2024, the group launched a "dark factory," renowned for its minimal reliance on human labor and lighting. This fully automated smart plant is dedicated to producing bearings for offshore wind turbines.

Today, high-end bearings account for 70 percent of the company's output value. Its wind turbine main bearings now enjoy an over 40-percent share of the domestic market, while its tunnel boring machine bearings have ended China's reliance on imports of such bearings.

"Advancing modern manufacturing toward high-end, intelligent and green development is our unwavering goal," Wang added.