For Cave 38, large language models have been employed to assist digital restoration and to logically fill missing or damaged sections of the murals, especially figures and decorative patterns, based on historical materials, the cave's overall artistic style, and remaining traces of the original work.

More broadly, Zhao said two phases of digital conservation have been completed at Kizil, including high?precision scanning and high?definition image capture of 22 caves. The academy has worked with universities and cultural heritage organizations across China on the effort.

The work takes on added significance given what Kizil represents historically. Miao Lihui, director of the academy's cave-temple archaeology and art institute, said the site is where Chinese civilization converged with cultural influences of India, Greece, Rome, and Persia. It was also a pivotal site for the local adaptation of Buddhism.