A
The Mogao Grottoes were a center of Buddhist life and some of the world’s great cultures for hundreds of years.However,by the late Qing Dynasty they had been abandoned and nearly forgotten and many of the caves had become damaged by the elements.Around 1900,with the discovery of a library of thousands of ancient documents,the caves received new interest from Chinese and foreign researchers.Unfortunately,this resulted in tens of thousands of items from the caves being taken to foreign museums.
In the 1940s,many researchers and artists visited the area to study traditional Chinese art.Copies of some of the artwork painted by respected artists such as Zhang Daqian and Guan Shanyue helped people all over the country learn about Dunhuang.These artists were also inspired by the artwork they saw in the caves and it began to influence their painting styles.Others staved in the desert for much longer.Chang Shuhong stayed for the rest of his life—struggling to record the cultural treasures and protect them from the weather.As a result of their efforts the Dunhuang Academy was formed to protect and study the Mogao Grottoes.
In 1987,the Mogao Grottoes were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.While the caves are open to the public,access is now limited in order to protect the artwork.However,the caves can be seen online in digital form so that people around the world can study and enjoy them.
Despite its remoteness,the Mogao Grottoes continue to draw visitors.And just as the sand and desert have survived largely unchanged through the centuries,this small art gallery in the desert has also survived largely unchanged providing an amazing look at a world long ago past.
1.When did the Mogao Grottoes regain the world’s attention?
A.Hundreds of years ago.
B.In the late Qing Dynasty.
C.In the late eighties of the 20th century.
D.Around the beginning of the 20th century.
2.What is the author’s purpose in mentioning the artists in the 1940s?
A.To learn about their works.
B.To show how hard they worked.
C.To compare their different styles.
D.To appreciate their contributions.
3.When people have no access to visiting the caves, .
A.they can do researches online
B.they can enjoy the digital versions
C.they can watch copies in art galleries
D.they can study them in foreign museums
4.Which of the following can be a suitable title for the text?
A.The Mogao Grottoes—Center of Buddhist Life
B.The Mogao Grottoes—Art Gallery in the Desert
C.Respected Artists—Protectors of the Mogao Grottoes
D.An Amazing Tourist Attraction—The Mogao Grottoes
