As twilight descended over Luoyang, a city with a history spanning over 4,000 years, a fleet of drones took to the sky, illuminating the night with synchronized aerial displays.

Once the capital of 13 dynasties, Luoyang is now a vibrant cultural and manufacturing hub located in central China's Henan Province, where the past and future coexist in a unique cultural tapestry.

The historical significance of Luoyang has been well documented through the ages.

Sima Guang, a prominent historian from the Song Dynasty, reflected on the city’s narrative, stating, "If you wish to know the rise and fall of past and present, just look at Luoyang." Today, Luoyang is actively showcasing its rich heritage while simultaneously investing in high-end manufacturing and technological innovation.

Central to Luoyang's cultural identity are the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of the world's largest collections of ancient stone carvings and Buddhist sculptures, dating back over 1,500 years.

Recent initiatives in preservation have successfully combined traditional conservation techniques with modern technology, enhancing the Grottoes’ integrity and accessibility.

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in safeguarding the cave temples through structural reinforcements and environmental enhancements.

Notably, the Longmen Grottoes Research Institute has undertaken digital restoration projects utilizing ground-penetrating radar, infrared imaging, and 3D scanning technologies.

These efforts culminated in the major restoration of Fengxian Temple, among the site’s most celebrated landmarks.

Gao Junping, the director of the information and documentation center at the Longmen Grottoes Research Institute, stated, "We have been building a 'digital archive' since 2005 to protect the ancient Buddhist cave art using advanced technologies." The transition from traditional methods, which posed risks to artifacts, to innovative approaches such as 3D printing has enabled the replication of relics without compromising their integrity.

In addition to preservation efforts, Luoyang has also focused on bringing ancient art to life.

By developing 3D databases, innovative exhibition formats, and enhanced digital tourism experiences, the city has expanded access to its cultural treasures.

A WeChat mini-program, Cloud Longmen, allows users to explore significant sites like Yuwang Pool and Binyang Cave virtually.

In 2024, Luoyang experienced significant growth in its cultural tourism sector, attracting 153 million visitors and generating tourism revenue of approximately 120.86 billion yuan (around 16.8 billion U.S. dollars), marking year-on-year increases of 13.48 percent and 16.02 percent, respectively.

This surge reflects the city’s strategic positioning at the intersection of culture and tourism.

Luoyang's modern identity is characterized by industrial innovation alongside its ancient heritage.

The city has a history of pioneering achievements in New China's industrial development, having produced the first automobile gearbox and tracked tractor.

In modern times, this legacy is embodied by companies such as Luoyang Bearing Group Co., Ltd., established during the nation's first five-year plan.

Luoyang Bearing Group is recognized for its commitment to research and development, claiming the distinction of China's first nationally certified enterprise technology center in its sector.

It operates extensive testing facilities, maintaining leadership in the design, production, and quality assurance of bearings.

Wang Xinying, chairman of the group, elaborated on the technical complexity of their products, stating, "Bearings may look simple, but the precision required is measured in microns." The company has made significant advancements, producing bearings that can withstand speeds of up to 120,000 revolutions per minute, crucial for high-tech applications such as large offshore wind turbines.

In October 2024, the company unveiled a fully automated "dark factory," recognized for its limited dependency on human labor and artificial lighting, designed specifically for manufacturing bearings for offshore wind projects.

Currently, high-end bearings constitute 70 percent of the group's output, with their wind turbine bearings commanding over 40 percent of the domestic market share and tunnel boring machine bearings marking an end to reliance on imports.

The company's commitment to advancing manufacturing towards high-end, intelligent, and sustainable practices reflects its long-term vision for the future.