Mogao Spirit
The term "Mogao Spirit" refers to the precious spirit of dedication embodied by several generations associated with the Mogao Caves directly, starting with the establishment of the Dunhuang Research Academy in 1944. This spirit, represented by figures such as Chang Shuhong (1904-1994), a prominent Chinese painter and art historian, Duan Wenjie (1917-2011), a distinguished scholar and expert in Dunhuang studies, and Fan Jinshi, a renowned archaeologist and scholar, emphasizes the idea of committing to a single endeavor throughout one's life. During the 2014 symposium celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Dunhuang Academy, Fan Jinshi, then president of the Academy, explicitly defined it as the "Mogao Spirit".
During a symposium at the Dunhuang Academy in August 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that for 70 years, generations of Dunhuang scholars have upheld the Mogao Spirit of "staying committed to the desert, being willing to serve, courageously taking responsibility, and striving for progress". In challenging living conditions, many have made substantial contributions to data organization and protection and restoration of Dunhuang grotto materials as well as research and promotion of Dunhuang culture and art, cultural tourism development, and site management, achieving numerous important outcomes.
Today, the "Mogao Spirit" serves as not only a vivid representation of the dedication of Chinese cultural workers in safeguarding cultural heritage, inheriting Chinese civilization, and embracing reform and innovation, but also a valuable spiritual asset to drive the cultural heritage sector to stay true to its original mission while continuously advancing.
莫高精神
“莫高精神”指從1944年國立敦煌藝術研究所成立開始，在以常書鴻、段文杰、樊錦詩為代表的幾代莫高窟人身上積淀和凝結的代代相傳的“擇一事終一生”的可貴精神。2014年，時任敦煌研究院院長的樊錦詩在敦煌研究院成立70周年座談會上將這種精神明確命名為“莫高精神”。
2019年8月，習近平在敦煌研究院座談時指出：70年來，一代又一代的敦煌人秉承“堅守大漠、甘于奉獻、勇于擔當、開拓進取”的莫高精神，在極其艱苦的物質生活條件下，在敦煌石窟資料整理和保護修復、敦煌文化藝術研究弘揚、文化旅游開發和遺址管理等方面做了大量工作，取得了不少重要研究成果。
如今，“莫高精神”既是中國文物工作者守護文化家園、傳承中華文明、勇于改革創新的生動寫照，更是推動文博事業不忘初心、牢記使命、繼續前進的寶貴精神財富。
