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
Museum Louvre is located along the banks of the Seine River in Paris, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France. Every year, a large amount of people around the world travel long distance to visit this historical museum due to its great reputation. Louvre has various kinds of impressive historical art collections including Egyptian antiques, ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, paintings by the old masters and so on. And there is no doubt that Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" is the most well-known art work in the museum Louvre. Besides, other popular works are worthy enough to attract crowds to see.
A batik craftsman shows his skills at Kuala Lumpur’s Jadi Batik Centre.
Extract from a book by DAVID MACGIBBON. THOMAS ROSS
Several stone circles in the area, one of them linked to Fingal the giant. A 2016 grass fire threatened to destroy the stones. Climate Impacts: groundwater flooding, slope instability
Machu Picchu is a citadel built by the Inca’s during the 15th century, located on a mountain ridge approximately 2420 metres above sea level. Most archaeologists believe that the site was built as an estate for Pachacuti, the Inca emperor at the time, however it was abandoned a century later during the Spanish conquest. Because of the high status of the citadel, it was mostly home to members of Pachacuti’s lineage, religious elite, and highly specialised artisans. It was thought to have housed up to 1000 inhabitants when at its peak. In terms of farming and agriculture Machu Picchu thrived, utilising hundreds of incredibly well engineered man-made terraces, built to ensure good drainage and soil fertility.
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Eastern Cordillera of southern Peru on a 2,430-meter (7,970 ft) mountain ridge. Often referred to as the "Lost City of the Incas", it is the most familiar icon of the Inca Empire. It is located in the Machupicchu District within Urubamba Province above the Sacred Valley, which is 80 kilometers (50 mi) northwest of Cusco. The Urubamba River flows past it, cutting through the Cordillera and creating a canyon with a tropical mountain climate.
Machu Picchu, situated in Peru, is an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Inca civilisation in the 15th century. It falls under the categories of both natural and cultural heritage sites. Known for its sophisticated stone architecture and cultural significance, it symbolises Peru's rich cultural heritage. Digital technology has revolutionised Machu Picchu's preservation and accessibility. 3D scans and virtual reality experiences frequently document the site, enabling remote exploration and fostering cultural appreciation. Additionally, digital tools like ticketing systems manage visitor flow, protecting the fragile ecosystem and promoting responsible tourism (SDG 11). Online platforms and interactive exhibits enhance visitor understanding and engagement, promoting cultural awareness and education (SDG 4). This collaboration between cultural institutions and technology companies fosters innovation and partnerships, aligning with SDG 17. By embracing digital solutions, Machu Picchu can be preserved, shared, and understood by a wider audience, contributing to various UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca citadel located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, at an altitude of approximately 2,430 meters above sea level. Believed to have been built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, the site remained unknown to the outside world until its rediscovery by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is renowned for its sophisticated dry-stone construction, terraces, and panoramic mountain views. Machu Picchu is a symbol of Inca engineering and cultural achievement, offering insight into pre-Columbian civilization. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it draws millions of visitors annually and faces preservation challenges due to tourism and climate change.
Known as the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu is among the world's most amazing archaeological monuments. The remarkable engineering, architectural, and agricultural achievements of the Inca civilization are on display in this 15th-century Incan fortress, which is situated at an elevation of roughly 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) high in the Peruvian Andes. Machu Picchu is thought to have been built as a royal residence or a place of worship during the time of Inca Emperor Pachacuti. The site's terraced fields, intricate water management system, and expertly built stone structures are all intended to blend in perfectly with the surrounding hilly terrain. Given that many of its buildings correspond with astronomical events, its strategic position and design demonstrate the Incas' profound mastery of astronomy. Since its 1911 rediscovery by American explorer Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu has grown to represent the tenacity and legacy of indigenous peoples around the world. The site's legacy is being preserved for future generations through digital documentation and preservation efforts despite the obstacles presented by environmental variables and tourism. These days, high-resolution photography and virtual models enable visitors from all over the world to see Machu Picchu, encouraging sustainable tourism and education.
Often called the "Lost City of the Incas," Machu Picchu is a magnificent archaeological site tucked away in Peru's Andes Mountains. Emperor Pachacuti constructed this castle in the fifteenth century as a royal residence and place of worship. The site features a complex water distribution system, agricultural terraces, and finely built stone structures. Its cultural significance was preserved because of its distant position, which allowed it to stay hidden from Spanish colonists. Through virtual reality and digital interpretation, visitors from all over the world may explore Machu Picchu without increasing foot traffic, which lessens the impact on the environment while fostering accessibility and education. Goal 15: Life on Land (Target 15.1): By reducing foot traffic, digital preservation minimizes erosion and safeguards the biodiversity of the nearby cloud forest.
Machu Picchu is a renowned archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Inca Empire, built in the 15th century in Peru. It is also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and was inscribed as a mixed cultural and natural heritage site in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. Due to its unique geographical location, mysterious religious ceremonies, and advanced architectural techniques, it is one of the most significant archaeological centers in South America. SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities: As a world-famous tourist destination, Machu Picchu faces challenges of tourist pressure and environmental conservation. Leveraging technologies such as virtual tours and 3D models enables individuals to delve deeper into aspects like the structure, history, and cultural significance of historical relics, thereby enhancing historical understanding. Additionally, documenting detailed information and conditions of historical sites aids in their protection and conservation efforts. This approach helps reduce physical visitations to the sites, thereby minimizing human-induced damage and environmental pressures, thus fostering the sustainable development of historical relics.
View of Waynapicchu Mountain from Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu with Huayna Picchu 16 novembre 2011
This is a photo of a monument in Peru, identified by ID CUS-125.
Immovable Culture Heritage,Underwater Cultural Heritage,Tourism
Macquarie Island is a subantarctic island owned by Tasmania, Australia, lying in the Southwestern Pacific Ocean, about halfway between New Zealand and Antarctica. Macquarie is recognised as the only place in the world where rocks from Earth’s mantle are actively exposed above sea level (a result of geologic activity). The island is part of the ocean crust formed in water six kilometres deep at a spreading ridge (known as Macquarie Ridge) in Miocene times, probably 600,000 years ago, and raised to its present height by the pressure of the Indian-Australian plate against the Pacific plate. The island is home to large variety of flora and fauna, with huge congregations of penguins and seals. Astonishingly, the island is the breeding ground for the Royal Penguins, an endemic species. Macquarie Island and its outlying islets are one of the most aesthetically pleasing and geologically unique places in the world.
Looking north at the isthmus on Macquarie Island.
Macquaire Island is the only place where rocks from the earth's mantle rise above the sea.
The Magna Carta, also known as the Chapter of Freedom, is a historical document signed by King John in England in 1215. It is regarded as an important cornerstone of the modern rule of law and democracy. The Magna Carta mainly stipulates the principles that the power of the king is subject to the law, the protection of free trade and personal freedom, and emphasises that even the monarch is not above the law. In addition, the Magna Carta also established legal principles such as the ‘presumption of innocence’ and ‘due process’, which had a profound impact on the subsequent constitutional system and international law. Today, the spirit of the Magna Carta is still widely quoted and is a symbol of the development of the rule of law and democracy worldwide.
Main train station of Kharkiv before the war.
Together with Taung Skull Fossil Sites, Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai, and Environs, Makapan Valley is currently protected as National Heritage sites. And they are collectively called Fossil Hominid Sites of South Africa, also dubbed the 'Cradle of Humankind'. It is an important palaeontological site of human origin which is located about 300km to the northeast in Limpopo Province. The archaeological caves are essential as evidence of human occupation and evolution. The traces and wealth of animal and hominid fossil here prove that the early hominids can be dated back to 3.3 million years. Makapansgat limeworks is the oldest of the cave sites in Makapan Valley which dates back to 4.0 million years until about 1.6 million years ago. Abundant of fossile bones was found here.
Image depicting the preparation technique of Hong Kong-style milk tea using the sackcloth bag.
Malacca (Malay: Melaka), officially the Historic State of Malacca (Malay: Melaka Negeri Bersejarah), is a state in Malaysia located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, facing the Strait of Malacca.
This image depicts a traditional Maori chief with full-face Ta Moko, created by Sydney Parkinson in 1784. It represents the sacred and social identity of Maori individuals and is a valuable visual record of early Maori tattoo traditions.
Map of the Principal Camps. For British & Dominion Prisoners of War in Europe.
Mapa de la Vía Francígena (ruta completa) con indicación de las principales poblaciones
Marine Scotland Science is a government organization based in Scotland that focuses on scientific research, monitoring, and management of marine and freshwater environments. It plays a crucial role in studying marine ecosystems, fisheries, aquaculture, and environmental impacts to ensure sustainable and responsible use of Scotland’s marine resources.
Maritime Greenwich is a World Heritage Site located in London, United Kingdom.
Maritime Greenwich is located along the bank of the River Thames in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1997. The site contains a rich royal history, with various heritage buildings in Royal Greenwich Park, including the Royal Observatory, the Queen’s House, and the Old Royal Naval College. Maritime Greenwich has a significant impact on the world. The most important one is the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). It used to be the standard time worldwide. Although it has now been replaced by UTC, it is still being used in the UK, e.g. Royal Navy. The Greenwich Park is beautiful in the city. It provides a great environment for people to enjoy the view and appreciate the surrounding heritages. Maritime Greenwich's technological interpretation will address Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
For over 800 years Market Street has been the commercial heart of the burgh of St Andrews. This reconstruction shows Market Street during the middle of the sixteenth century – a time when St Andrews was a significant trading centre and the religious capital of Scotland. The reconstruction was created by Smart History and the Open Virtual Worlds Team at the University of St Andrews. It is part of an ongoing project to represent digitally the burgh of St Andrews at the time of the Scottish Reformation. During the Middle Ages, Market Street was a place where local residents met to exchange goods, gossip, and watch the punishment of wrongdoers.
Market Street, St Andrews: A 16th Century Scottish Town
For over 800 years Market Street has been the commercial heart of the burgh of St Andrews. This reconstruction shows Market Street during the middle of the sixteenth century – a time when St Andrews was a significant trading centre and the religious capital of Scotland. The reconstruction was created by Smart History and the Open Virtual Worlds Team at the University of St Andrews. It is part of an ongoing project to represent digitally the burgh of St Andrews at the time of the Scottish Reformation. During the Middle Ages, Market Street was a place where local residents met to exchange goods, gossip, and watch the punishment of wrongdoers. Funding for the Market Street reconstruction was provided by the St Andrews Community Trust and the University of St Andrews’ Covid-19 Restarting Research Funding Scheme. This work was funded as part of 'Enabling Heritage Response to COVID-19 through Virtual Reality Exhibits, Virtual Museum Infrastructure and Capacity Building'.
This mausoleum was constructed over 38 years, from 246 to 208 BC, and is situated underneath a 76-meter-tall tomb mound shaped like a truncated pyramid.From Wikipedia
The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor (Qin Shi Huang) is located in Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi province of China. This mausoleum was constructed over 38 years, from 246 to 208 BC, and is situated underneath a 76-meter-tall tomb mound shaped like a truncated pyramid. The layout of the mausoleum is modeled on the Qin capital Xianyang, divided into inner and outer cities. The circumference of the inner city is 2.5 km (1.55 miles) and the outer is 6.3 km (3.9 miles). The tomb is located in the southwest of the inner city and faces east. The main tomb chamber housing the coffin and burial artifacts is the core of the architectural complex of the mausoleum.
Located in the Lintong District of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang is the tomb of the first emperor in Chinese history, the largest and richest of the ancient tombs of Chinese emperors, and a great testimony to the culture of the Qin Dynasty. The discovery of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit in 1974 brought the important cultural heritage of Qin Shi Huang's tomb to the world. The site is supported by the mausoleum and is surrounded by more than 300 burial pits of various kinds, forming a rich and complete system of imperial tombs and providing a solid foundation for future generations to study imperial tombs. From the distribution of cultural relics, the concept of Qin Shi Huang's tombs can be divided into three spatial levels: the mausoleum area, the mausoleum garden and the tombs, and the culture of the Qin Dynasty can be understood through the study of terracotta warriors, which is a treasure of human culture.
Culture,Immovable Culture Heritage,Tourism
The Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, situated in Xi'an, China, is a remarkable cultural heritage site that captivates worldwide interest due to its immense scale, artistic mastery, and historical importance. Encompassing roughly 56 square kilometers, the emperor's tomb lies beneath a 76-meter-tall artificial mound, signifying his power and status. The complex is renowned for its Terracotta Army, comprising over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses, meticulously crafted to accompany the emperor into the afterlife. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers, the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor has since been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting its significant contribution to our understanding of ancient Chinese culture and history.
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor--picture
Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, Hall 1
Mawangdui, an archaeological site in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, holds great historical and cultural significance. Dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 9 CE), it offers insights into the customs and culture of that era. The site houses three well-preserved tombs, with Lady Dai's (Xin Zhui) tomb being the most famous. Lady Dai, the wife of the Marquis of Dai, was found remarkably preserved, making her the best-preserved mummy from ancient China. Artifacts found at Mawangdui include silk manuscripts, lacquerware, pottery, musical instruments, and early Chinese silk paintings. The "Mawangdui Silk Texts" are particularly notable, offering a glimpse into ancient Chinese medicine, astronomy, and philosophy. Visitors can explore the on-site museum, which displays the majority of the unearthed artifacts and provides historical context. Mawangdui is an essential destination for those interested in Chinese history and culture, offering a unique window into the Western Han Dynasty and ancient China.
A photograph showing the entrance to Robben Island.
Mazu is a goddess situated believed mainly by the people in the southeast of China. Mazu was originally named Lin Mo or Lin Mo Niang, born in the Putian city Fujian province. In the legend, she helped save people in peril of the sea, kills the monsters in the sea, and helped the injured people. Tons of historical stories recorded her stories, and from the Song dynasty to the Qing dynasty, Mazu was given several honour titles from the emperors. Gradually, she became a belief of the fishermen, businessmen, and seashore people to keep them rid of natural disasters. Nowadays, Mazu is still a common belief in many provinces in China and even some people in southeast Asia. On every 23rd March of the lunar calendar, which is the Mazu’s birthday, thousands of people will come to Meizhou island, which is believed by the born place of Mazu, to celebrate the birth of Mazu. The magical thing is that generally, on Mazu's birthday, Meizhou island will always rain. People believe that it is a blessing from Mazu.
The Mazu belief and customs are a set of traditions and practices that are centered around the worship of Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess. Mazu belief is particularly popular among coastal communities in Southern China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. The Mazu belief and customs are rich in heritage and have been passed down from generation to generation for over a thousand years. The Mazu belief and customs are valuable as they are integral to the cultural identity of coastal communities, provide insights into the relationship between people and the sea, and represent a unique blend of different beliefs and practices.
The most famous Mazu temple called Jenn Lann Temple in Taiwan
This medallion was a badge for a civil official of the third rank in the Ming dynasty. Originally square, it has been cut, perhaps to serve as the cover for a round box. Ming-dynasty rank badges were usually woven or embroidered as part of an official’s robe; later, in the Qing dynasty, separate badges were applied to their garments.
Melaka - Historic Cities Along The Straits of Melaka
https://stage.openvirtualworlds.org/worldheritage2025/230028854-2/ Melaka and Georgetown are two historic cities in Malaysia situated along the Straits of Melaka, once a vital maritime trade route connecting Asia to Europe and the Middle East. With rich colonial influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods, these cities are a unique blend of architectural and cultural heritage. Their UNESCO World Heritage Site status underlines their global significance. Digitally, they’ve embraced tools like GIS mapping, interactive web platforms, and virtual tours to document and preserve their landmarks. Notably, digital projects such as the "Resilient Melaka Project" and cinematic showcases like Crazy Rich Asians amplify their global visibility. Digital heritage initiatives here promote sustainable tourism while offering new economic opportunities to locals and safeguarding their cultural assets for future generations. SDG Target: Goal 11.4 – Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
Melaka & Georgetown - Historic Cities Along The Straits of Melaka, Malaysia
Melaka and Georgetown are two historic cities in Malaysia situated along the Straits of Melaka, once a vital maritime trade route connecting Asia to Europe and the Middle East. With rich colonial influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods, these cities are a unique blend of architectural and cultural heritage. Their UNESCO World Heritage Site status underlines their global significance. Digitally, they’ve embraced tools like GIS mapping, interactive web platforms, and virtual tours to document and preserve their landmarks. Notably, digital projects such as the "Resilient Melaka Project" and cinematic showcases like Crazy Rich Asians amplify their global visibility. Digital heritage initiatives here promote sustainable tourism while offering new economic opportunities to locals and safeguarding their cultural assets for future generations. SDG Target: Goal 11.4 – Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage
Melaka and Georgetown - Historic Cities Along The Straits of Melaka, Malaysia