CULTURAL HERITAGE,ARCHAEOLOGY AND BUILT HERITAGE
The beautiful village of Abernethy, home to one of only two remaining round towers in Scotland.
Image of Virtual reconstruction created in Unreal Engine by Sarah Kennedy, OVW Team. 2018
Drone footage of St Andrews Cathedral on a snow day in 2018 by OVW Team members Dr John McCaffery and Dr Chris Davies. Music credits: St Salvators Choir: Kyrie Chant
Audio recording of Prof Micheal Brown (University of St Andrews) Subject: Prior John Bissett of St Andrews Cathedral
Part of the African (or Jackass) Penguin breeding colony at Robben Island, Cape Town South Africa.
A picture of African penguins on a beach on Robben Island
Sign warning to proceed past beyond this point to protect the African Penguin colony on the island, and to report any sightings of injured birds.
Imagery ©2025 Airbus, Imagery ©2025 Airbus, Maxar Technologies, Map data ©2025 AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd A satellite view of Murray's Bay Harbour
Tourists returning to the ferries back to Cape Town after their visit to Robben Island
A view of the breakwater out of Murray's Bay Harbour
The exhibition is to introduce the Longmen Grottoes. The Longmen Grottoes, located in Luoyang, Henan Province, China, is one of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art. The site comprises the West Hill Grottoes, the East Hill Grottoes, Baiyuan Garden, and Xiangshan Temple. Carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, the site features over 2,300 caves and niches filled with thousands of Buddha statues, inscriptions, and steles dating back to the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties. Recognized by UNESCO as the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art, the grottoes reflect artistic, spiritual, and cultural achievements spanning centuries.
The Longmen Grottoes, located in Luoyang, Henan Province, China, are one of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art. The site comprises the West Hill Grottoes, the East Hill Grottoes, the Bai Garden, and the Xiangshan Temple. Carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, the site features over 2,300 caves and niches filled with thousands of Buddha statues, inscriptions, and steles dating back to the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties. Recognized by UNESCO as the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art, the grottoes reflect artistic, spiritual, and cultural achievements spanning centuries. Today, they face growing threats from climate change and environmental erosion. They are closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage), calling for proactive measures to protect our shared cultural treasures in the face of climate change.
The Longmen Grottoes, located in Luoyang, Henan Province, China, are one of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art. The site comprises the Xishan Grottoes, Dongshan Grottoes, Baiyuan Garden, and Xiangshan Temple. Carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, the site features over 2,300 caves and niches filled with thousands of Buddha statues, inscriptions, and steles dating back to the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties. Recognized by UNESCO as the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art, the grottoes reflect artistic, spiritual, and cultural achievements spanning centuries. Today, they face growing threats from climate change and environmental erosion. They are closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage), calling for proactive measures to protect our shared cultural treasures in the face of climate change.
The Longmen Grottoes, located in Luoyang, Henan Province, China, are one of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art. The site comprises the Xishan Grottoes, Dongshan Grottoes, Baiyuan Garden, and Xiangshan Temple. Carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, the site features over 2,300 caves and niches filled with thousands of Buddha statues, inscriptions, and steles dating back to the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties. Recognized by UNESCO as the pinnacle of Chinese stone carving art, the grottoes reflect artistic, spiritual, and cultural achievements spanning centuries. Today, they face growing threats from climate change and environmental erosion.
Qinghai Hoh Xil, situated in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, is one of the world’s largest, highest, and youngest plateaus. Covering an area of 3,735,632 hectares with a 2,290,904-hectare buffer zone, it consists of vast alpine mountains and steppe landscapes at elevations exceeding 4,500 meters. Often referred to as the "Third Pole," Hoh Xil experiences a harsh, frigid plateau climate that shapes its unique ecosystems. The region is home to remarkable biodiversity, with its extreme environment supporting a range of specialized species. It plays a crucial role in the survival of the Tibetan antelope, providing key calving grounds and migration routes for nearly 40% of the global population. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoh Xil holds outstanding ecological and scientific value. Its well-preserved natural environment makes it essential for biodiversity conservation and an important site for climate research.
Leonardo da Vinci created the Mona Lisa, one of the most well-known and mysterious pieces of art in history, between 1503 and 1519. Known for its exquisite use of sfumato, a technique that produces subtle color and tone changes that give her expression an almost lifelike appearance. Viewers have been captivated by the painting's enigmatic smile and direct gaze for decades, leading to several speculations regarding the subject's identity, feelings, and hidden meanings. The Mona Lisa is more than just a portrait thanks to Leonardo's painstaking attention to anatomical detail and light manipulation; it is a representation of the Italian Renaissance's creative inventiveness. The Mona Lisa, which is currently on display at the Louvre Museum, is a timeless cultural symbol that welcomes millions of tourists each year. Its significance goes beyond art; it is a symbol of inventiveness, scientific inquiry, and the enduring strength of human imagination. High-resolution photography and digital preservation initiatives enable both the public and scholars to study the masterpiece in previously unheard-of detail, guaranteeing that its legacy will live on for many more centuries. Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Target 9.5): AI-driven restoration methods and digital preservation help preserve cultural items by fostering innovation.
Leonardo da Vinci created the Mona Lisa, one of the most well-known and mysterious pieces of art in history, between 1503 and 1519. Known for its exquisite use of sfumato, a technique that produces subtle color and tone changes that give her expression an almost lifelike appearance. Viewers have been captivated by the painting's enigmatic smile and direct gaze for decades, leading to several speculations regarding the subject's identity, feelings, and hidden meanings. The Mona Lisa is more than just a portrait thanks to Leonardo's painstaking attention to anatomical detail and light manipulation; it is a representation of the Italian Renaissance's creative inventiveness. The Mona Lisa, which is currently on display at the Louvre Museum, is a timeless cultural symbol that welcomes millions of tourists each year. Its significance goes beyond art; it is a symbol of inventiveness, scientific inquiry, and the enduring strength of human imagination. High-resolution photography and digital preservation initiatives enable both the public and scholars to study the masterpiece in previously unheard-of detail, guaranteeing that its legacy will live on for many more centuries.
The Loulan Kingdom was an ancient oasis city along the Silk Road in northwest China, thriving from the 2nd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. Its remains, including Buddhist stupas and wooden tablets, bear witness to the cultural interactions between Han China, Central Asia, and Persia. Recognized as a cultural heritage site, Loulan provides valuable archaeological evidence of early trade and urban development. Its decline, attributed to environmental shifts and mismanagement of water resources, serves as a reminder of the long-standing challenges of sustainable development.
Loulan city China Xinjiang Urumqi Welcome you to tour the - panoramio
Nüshu is a women's-only script that was passed down from mothers to their daughters in feudal-society China
Immovable Culture Heritage,Intangible Heritage
Nüshu, a script exclusive to women, was traditionally transmitted from mothers to daughters in feudal China.
Culture,Immovable Culture Heritage,Tourism
Notre-Dame de Paris is a Gothic architectural masterpiece built in the 12th and 13th centuries. It is renowned for its flying buttresses, stained-glass windows and sculptures. The 2019 fire severely damaged its roof, spire and wooden framework, prompting large-scale restoration efforts. This tragedy highlighted the importance of digital documentation in preserving heritage. After years of reconstruction, Notre-Dame is set to reopen to the public in December 2024. Notre-Dame's restoration utilizes a digital twin framework, integrating 3D modeling, reverse engineering and spatio-temporal tracking to reconstruct its architecture with precision (Gros et al., 2023). Additionally, acoustic digital twins have been developed to simulate the cathedral’s sound environment, preserving its historical acoustics and enhancing immersive experiences for the public (Katz et al., 2024). These digital tools support both conservation and educational efforts, ensuring authenticity while increasing accessibility.
Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago situated between mainland Norway and the North Pole, is known for its remote wilderness, glacial landscapes and diverse Arctic ecosystems. The region is home to massive ice sheets, permafrost and unique wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes and reindeer. Svalbard serves as a key scientific research site, providing critical data on climate change, glaciology and Arctic biodiversity. Its glaciers are among the fastest-melting in the world, making them important indicators of environmental change. Digital technologies play a vital role in monitoring, preserving and understanding the environmental shifts occurring in Svalbard. 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry have been employed to document changes in glacial formations and ice structures, improving long-term conservation planning (König et al., 2014). Acoustic monitoring systems detect and analyze glacier calving events, providing real-time insights into ice movement and structural stability (Piechowicz et al., 2017). Additionally, satellite remote sensing helps scientists understand the broader impact of global warming on polar ecosystems.
The ancient city of Pompeii, located in modern-day Italy, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. It was buried under volcanic ash during Mount Vesuvius' eruption in 79 AD, preserving buildings, artifacts and human remains in exceptional detail. This unique preservation provides an invaluable glimpse into ancient Roman life. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pompeii continues to be a key resource for historians and archaeologists, offering insights into Roman architecture, urban planning and society. Pompeii has embraced digital technologies to enhance its conservation and visitor experience. 3D scanning and photogrammetry have been used to digitally map the city's ruins, allowing for precise documentation and virtual reconstructions (Monego et al., 2019). Additionally, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) allow remote visitors to experience Pompeii as it was before the eruption, reconstructing streets, villas and public spaces based on historical evidence (MagnenatThalmann et al., 2007). These digital innovations enhance both academic research and public engagement, ensuring that Pompeii’s history remains accessible to future generations.
Example of Brutalist Architecture in Hong Kong: Capitol Centre
The Royal Albert docks were an important maritime centre and strategic war hub. Opened in 1846, the Docks has become iconic for its artistic attractions, bars and culture. The docks received royal recognition in 1988 for its maritime history and world heritage status in 2004. In recent years, it has hosted music concerts in the nearby M&S arena and the Eurovision Song contest by the waterfront.
Home of spectacular gladiatorial battles and spectacles, this structure is a reminder of the power of imperial Rome. Despite being damaged, ransacked and looted throughout time, the Colosseum still stands as one of the 7 wonders of the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations at that.
The Phuktal Monastery is built around a natural cave, which is believed to have been visited by numerous sages, scholars, translators, and monks around 2,550 years ago. The remote location of the monastery was ideal for monks looking for peace and solitude to meditate. The present Phuktal Gompa, of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, was established in the early 15th century by Jangsem Sherap Zangpo, a disciple of Je Tsongkhapa. Tsongkhapa was the founder of Gelug, which is one of the newest schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Jatiluwih rice terraces comprise over 600 hectares of rice fields following the flowing hillside topography of the Batukaru mountain range. These are well-maintained by traditional water management cooperatives dating back to the 9th century! Jatiluwih is derived from two words. Jati means “real” and Luwih means “good” or “beautiful”. So even the name in the local language lets you know this place is beautiful. When you drive the narrow, winding road to Jatiluwih, you’ll see the beautiful panoramas along the road. This area is the only place in the world that has three annual rice harvests.
Hongcun Village is an administrative village located in Hongcun Town, Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China. It sits at the foot of Huangshan Mountain in southern Anhui Province. On November 30, 2000, Hongcun was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The village is known for its well-preserved historical architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It features a unique water system and a distinctive layout resembling the shape of an ox, making it a representative example of traditional Huizhou residential design. With its elegant scenery and classic Hui-style architecture, Hongcun has long attracted artists from both China and abroad for photography and painting. In recent years, digital technologies have played an important role in the preservation and development of Hongcun, supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The Unity3D virtual reality engine has been used to integrate 3D modeling and other digital tools in the development of a digital display platform for the ancient village. This approach explores new strategies for showcasing intangible cultural heritage, offering innovative perspectives for the protection, inheritance, and revitalization of traditional villages.
West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
West Lake, also known as Qiantang Lake, is located at No.1 Longjing Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. On June 24, 2011, the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou was inscribed on the World Heritage List. It is one of the first nationally designated key scenic spots in mainland China. It is also one of China’s major freshwater lakes. The West Lake combines natural and humanistic aesthetics. Since the 9th century, West Lake has been an inspiration for Chinese poets, painters, and philosophers. Mythological novels around the West Lake have also emerged in an endless stream, the most famous is the legend of the White Snake, which adds a different kind of mysterious color to the West Lake. At present, SDG goals have been achieved through relevant digital technologies for Sustainable Cities and Communities. For example, the West Lake Scenic Area has built a tourist flow monitoring system, which utilizes technologies such as real-time monitoring systems and infrared sensing. The sustainable development of the scenic spot is guaranteed. At the same time, through high-precision 3D scanning and modeling technology, the historic buildings and cultural landscapes of the West Lake are digitally archived, providing detailed data support for the restoration and research of cultural relics.
The Sichuan giant panda habitat(The Wolong National Nature Reserve)
The Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat consists of seven nature reserves and nine scenic parks in Sichuan Province, China. Wolong National Nature Reserve, located in Wenchuan County, is one of them. It was established in 1963 to protect giant pandas and forest ecosystems. The Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site on July 12, 2006. More than 30% of the world’s wild giant pandas live here, and the region boasts rich biodiversity — not only giant pandas, but also Sichuan golden monkeys, snow leopards, and other endangered species. In the Sichuan panda habitat, digital technology has been widely applied to support biodiversity conservation, contributing to the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. The Sichuan Provincial Forestry and Grassland Bureau, together with Huawei and other partners, has developed a real-time forest and grassland fire monitoring system based on the Huawei Cloud platform. This system covers the province’s forest ecosystem, including the Giant Panda National Park. It has significantly improved the accuracy of fire warnings and monitoring, playing a vital role in protecting the panda habitat.
The sacred pushkarani, or tank, located on the eastern side of Krishna temple in Hampi, India, seen in early morning light. An example of water tank design of the Vijayanagar Empire.
The Garuda shrine in the form of stone chariot at Vitthala temple
Yoga-Narasimha monolith carved in-situ at the Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India
Hampi, Karnataka, India. One of the many Vijayanagara market ruins in the boulder strewn landscape, with Tungabhadra River in the background
Virupaksha Temple: A 7th-century temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, distinguished by its impressive 50-meter-high tower, which serves as a gateway to this sacred site.
The Palace Museum is located in the center of Beijing, China. It was built in 1420. It is the royal palace of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties and is also the largest and best-preserved wooden palace complex in the world. The Palace Museum not only has a spectacular royal building complex, but also has more than 1.8 million precious collections, which contain rich historical and cultural connotations and craftsmanship wisdom. Related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 11: Build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and human settlements Goal 4: Quality education
The Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary is located in Sichuan Province, China, including Wolong, Siguniang Mountain and Jiajin Mountain. This area has a diverse ecosystem and has the largest population of giant pandas in the world and many rare animal and plant species. Protecting giant pandas and their habitats is essential for global biodiversity conservation and environmental balance. Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forests, combat desertification, curb land degradation and halt biodiversity loss Goal 13: Address climate change and its impacts