In recent years, the institute has accelerated scientific conservation efforts. A new cultural relic protection technology center equipped with six specialized laboratories now supports research into rock weathering, seepage damage and microbial growth affecting the grottoes.

"We have shifted from primarily rescue-oriented protection to preventive and systematic protection," said Ma Chaolong, a specialist at the Grottoes Protection Research and Heritage Monitoring Center, Longmen Grottoes Research Institute.