A Review of Research Literature on the Conservation of Grottoes in China Based on Keyword Clustering Analysis

Based on keyword clustering, this paper systematically reviews the development trajectory and hot trends of research on the protection of grottoes in China. The study reveals that a research system centered on “deterioration mechanism-micro-environment monitoring-digital protection-human impact regulation” has been established in this field, and the research focus has gradually shifted from single disease control to systematic and preventive protection. Keyword clustering and emergent analysis indicate that hot topics include grotto art, Buddhist culture, and digitalization of cultural heritage, reflecting the characteristics of multi-disciplinary integration. However, current research still suffers from “fragmentation”, lacking an overall understanding of the coupling mechanism of environmental, biological, and human factors, and the integration of multiple disciplines remains superficial. The ability to monitor and warn, as well as to convert digitalization achievements, is insufficient. In the future, it is necessary to construct a systematic research framework, deepen the exploration of mechanisms, promote intelligent monitoring and the establishment of digital standards, to achieve a fundamental transformation in grotto protection from “emergency restoration” to “preventive, precise and sustainable”.