Buddhist figures and murals in temples and caves that are centuries old constitute an important part of Chinese art. Copying them is not only a regular practice for artists today to learn about ancient artistry, but also as a way of preservation.

In her early teens, Chang Shana followed her father, Chang Shuhong, founding director of Dunhuang Academy, into the caves and learned to copy those murals. The father and daughter held a joint exhibition in 1947 of their reproductions to raise fund for the preservation and study of Dunhuang. One of Chang Shana's works from that show is also on display.