In 2019, the Shanxi Provincial Institute for the Protection of Ancient Architecture and Painted Sculptures and Murals, the Xinzhou Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, and Zhejiang University joined hands to produce a highly detailed 3D color model of the temple.

This was achieved through advanced imaging and data processing algorithms, and the model serves as a permanent digital archive.

Lu said his institute has also utilized AI to collect literature and historical material related to Foguang Temple. "This enables further exploration of the historical, artistic, scientific, social and cultural values of the temple," he said.