Zhang Hongyan, a professor from the Central Conservatory of Music and a pipa player, recalls that the instrument she played did not feel right in both sound and weight. Zhang was the first to play the replica instruments made in 1992. She was also invited to play the pipa produced by Ma's team, the fourth generation of the reproduced ancient instruments.

Now the instruments are ready to be heard. "The newly-released musical instruments are good enough to play. They will hopefully attract people to learn more about the stories behind them, especially the story of the Mogao Caves and its history," says Zhang.

It's also the reason Ma puts such an effort and passion into the restoration and production of these ancient instruments-to attract young people and the next generation to learn more about the culture of the caves.

Ma's team often upload videos about the instruments on popular short-video apps. They also plan to cooperate with schools to offer music classes to students.

The 35-year-old describes his role as a type of "translator", transforming old images from the murals into playable instruments.

"The caves are far away from people's lives, but I hope the music and the instruments will bring visitors closer to the caves," says Ma.

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