The Palace Museum, located in the center of Beijing, China, is the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. It is now the largest and best preserved ancient wooden structure complex in the world. Built in 1406, it has more than 9,000 palaces and is the pinnacle of traditional Chinese architecture. Today, it is open to the public as a museum with a collection of more than 1.8 million artifacts and is a gathering place of world-class cultural heritage and artistic treasures. Digital displays and virtual Tours allow a global audience to learn about its profound historical and cultural values. SDG 4: Quality education Enhance public literacy and history education through digital displays and global online access.
Cantonese opera is a traditional opera widely popular in Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and other regions of China. It is famous for its graceful singing, gorgeous costumes and exquisite performance art. It has been listed as a masterpiece of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Yixian Lantern Festival Cultural Landscape
The ancient streets of Yixian County, located in Anhui Province, China, come alive every year with a vibrant Lantern Festival that illuminates the historic Huizhou-style buildings. During the festival, hundreds of handmade lanterns—crafted in traditional forms and materials—are displayed along narrow stone-paved streets, transforming the town into a glowing corridor of cultural expression. These lanterns carry deep symbolic meaning, representing prosperity, reunion, and ancestral respect, while embodying the artistic craftsmanship passed down through generations. The festival fuses tangible and intangible heritage: the fixed architectural setting of Yixian’s grey-walled, tile-roofed buildings and the living cultural practice of lantern-making, storytelling, and communal celebration. Digital heritage tools—such as nighttime 360° mapping, oral history recordings, and augmented reality projections—can capture the multi-sensory experience of this event and ensure its transmission to younger audiences. This project supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it promotes local identity, heritage-based tourism, and the preservation of community traditions.
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.
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 the Wolong, Siguniang Mountain and Jiajin Mountain areas. This area has a diverse ecosystem and is home to the world's largest population of giant pandas and many rare plant and animal species. Protecting giant pandas and their habitats is crucial to global biodiversity conservation and environmental balance.
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
Located in the center of Beijing, China, the Palace Museum was built in 1420. It was the royal palace 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.
Westminster Abbey, located in the center of London, England, is a Gothic religious building with far-reaching historical significance. The church was first built in the 10th century, and the existing building was built in 1245, which has a history of more than 700 years. It has been the site of the coronation of British monarchs since 1066, and is the final resting place of more than 3,000 important British figures, including poets, scientists, and politicians. As a working church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey is of great cultural, architectural and religious value. The digital display of Westminster Abbey helps to reduce the direct impact of visitors on the building itself, protect heritage safety and increase public engagement. At the same time, open access to online resources also supports community cultural heritage and urban heritage preservation, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Cities and Communities goal (SDG 11).
The ancient streets of Yixian County, located in Anhui Province, China.
Gulangyu Island, located in the southwest of Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, is an island with an area of less than 2 square kilometers. At the end of the 19th century, Gulangyu became an important window for trade between China and foreign countries, gathering consulates, churches, hospitals, schools and other buildings from more than 20 countries, forming a unique urban style combining Chinese and Western aspects. There are more than 1,000 historical buildings preserved on the island, which is a witness of cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. Gulangyu Island is also known as the "piano Island" and has a deep musical tradition. It was added to the World Cultural Heritage List in 2017. The digital preservation and display of Gulangyu helps mitigate the impact of overtourism on the historic district and raise public awareness of cultural heritage protection. Virtual Tours, 3D modeling and online exhibits provide sustainable, low-impact access for visitors, researchers and students, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Cities and Communities Goal (SDG 11).
St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in London, England. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710 after the Great Fire of London, it is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. Its massive dome—one of the largest in the world—dominates the city skyline and serves as a symbol of resilience, spiritual devotion, and national identity. The cathedral has hosted numerous historic events, including the funerals of Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Beyond its religious significance, the cathedral embodies exceptional craftsmanship, including intricate stone carvings, mosaics, and a grand organ. Digital heritage technologies such as 3D photogrammetry, immersive virtual tours, and AR overlays can offer global audiences access to its interior and history while preserving the physical structure from overexposure. This project contributes to SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting the preservation of historical architecture and public access through responsible cultural tourism.
The Wai Kru a traditional Thai ritual deeply embedded in the practice of Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand. The term “Wai Kru” translates directly to “paying respect to the teacher,” and the ritual takes the form of a carefully choreographed sequence of movements performed by fighters prior to their bouts. These movements are symbolic expressions of respect, gratitude, discipline, and spiritual protection. Accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of the Sarama — a traditional ensemble featuring Thai drums, cymbals, and the Pi Java (a distinctive woodwind instrument) — the Wai Kru is both a cultural performance and a spiritual act. Whilst its original and traditional meaning is to honour one’s Muay Thai trainer, the ritual is additionally performed outside of this context, such as in schools, where students annually pay respect to their teachers in the “Wai Kru” festival (Chai Lai Orchid, n.d.). In this way, whilst Muay Thai itself is of unmatched significance as an activity in Thai culture, its Wai Kru is additionally important itself - symbolising the country’s national emphasis on “Kreng Jai” (meaning respect), accompanied by deeply engrained hierarchy of respect
The Roman Empire left behind incredible architectural and cultural legacies, but much of Roman daily life has been lost to time. This project aims to reconstruct an ancient Roman square using immersive 3D environments and AI-powered characters — allowing users to “walk through history” and experience a day in the life of a Roman citizen. From conversing with a merchant to observing a blacksmith or attending a public forum, this idea brings archaeology to life in a way that is interactive, educational, and deeply human. This kind of virtual preservation supports SDG 11.4 by promoting cultural awareness and digital access to heritage, especially for those unable to travel to physical sites. It would also open new ways to teach history through experience, not just textbooks.
The Roman Empire left behind incredible architectural and cultural legacies, but much of Roman daily life has been lost to time. This project aims to digitally reconstruct a Roman square using immersive 3D environments and AI-powered characters — allowing users to walk through history and experience a day in the life of a Roman citizen. From conversing with merchants to attending a public forum, this concept brings archaeology to life in a way that is interactive, educational, and deeply human. It connects the ancient past with modern learning by using digital heritage tools to promote critical thinking, cultural awareness, and appreciation of historical lifestyles. This virtual heritage experience supports SDG 11.4 by contributing to cultural preservation and public access to historical environments.
Stoic Philosophy & Mental Well-being (Marcus Aurelius)
Marcus Aurelius, Roman Emperor and philosopher, left behind writings that remain profoundly relevant today. His reflections in Meditations are core texts of Stoicism, a philosophy focused on resilience, self-discipline, and virtue. This project proposes a digital heritage experience where users can interact with an AI-generated Marcus Aurelius, exploring topics like grief, anxiety, self-control, and purpose. The goal is to make ancient wisdom accessible to a broader audience and demonstrate how Stoic thought can support modern mental well-being. This concept contributes to SDG 3.4 by exploring philosophy as a reflective tool for emotional resilience, while also preserving intangible heritage in innovative ways.
Socratic Dialogue – Ancient Philosophy and Civic Education
In the Agora of ancient Athens, Socrates walked barefoot and questioned everything — from justice and truth to courage and virtue. His approach to philosophy, known as the Socratic Method, was not about giving answers, but about asking the right questions. This project envisions a digital simulation where users can engage in real-time dialogue with an AI-powered Socrates. It would allow people to explore complex ideas through guided, age-adapted conversations: in schools, libraries, and even public museums. The aim is to reintroduce philosophy as a living, public conversation that teaches people how to think critically and reflect deeply. This entry supports SDG 4.7 by promoting education that encourages civic awareness, ethics, and inclusive dialogue.
View of Ullock Pike and Bassenthwaite Lake from Long Side in the Lake District. Photo by Mick Knapton, licensed under CC BY 4.0.
The Lake District is a cultural landscape in northwest England shaped by glaciers and a long history of agricultural and pastoral practices. Its narrow valleys, long lakes, steep slopes, and stone-walled fields reflect a unique blend of natural beauty and human influence. The area has inspired generations of writers and artists, and contributed to the development of ideas around landscape conservation. The Lake District National Park Authority works with the National Trust and other organisations to protect both the environment and historic features. Through digital tools such as live video streams, people can experience the changing seasons and landscapes from anywhere in the world. These efforts help raise awareness while reducing the environmental impact of tourism. The Lake District plays an important role in preserving cultural and natural heritage. It also supports the protection of ecosystems and promotes sustainable interaction between people and the land, demonstrating how digital interpretation can support long-term environmental and heritage goals.
The Mogao Caves are located on cliffs near Dunhuang in Gansu Province, China. They form one of the largest collections of Buddhist art on the Silk Road, with 492 preserved grottoes containing over 2,000 painted sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals. The site documents the development of Buddhist art and culture from the 4th to the 14th century, reflecting political, religious, and cultural changes across different dynasties. It also provides evidence of long-distance trade and cultural exchange, particularly through the Silk Road. The Mogao Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for their artistic innovation, religious significance, and historical value. Preservation is led by the Dunhuang Academy through digital projects such as high-resolution mural scanning, 3D modelling, virtual tours, and the Digital Dunhuang platform, which improves public access and educational outreach. These digital efforts support global awareness and help preserve the site for future generations. The Mogao Caves contribute to sustainable development by supporting quality education and promoting inclusive cultural and economic growth.
The Palace and Park of Versailles is located southwest of Paris and served as the royal residence of the French monarchy from the reign of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Expanded and redesigned in the 17th century, it represents the power and artistic achievement of absolutist France. The architecture by Le Vau and Hardouin-Mansart, and the formal gardens by Le Nôtre, set new standards for palaces and landscaping across Europe. Features such as the Hall of Mirrors, Grand Canal, and geometric garden design became models of Baroque grandeur. Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its artistic mastery, historical influence, and cultural symbolism. Conservation and restoration projects maintain its authenticity and integrity. The official website presents digital exhibitions, interactive stories, high-resolution images, and videos of its galleries and gardens. These digital tools increase access and global awareness of its artistic and historical significance. Versailles contributes to the protection of cultural heritage and supports education and global citizenship by promoting historical understanding. It also encourages sustainable cultural tourism through digital outreach and international engagement.
Kisha e Shna Ndout, Church of Laç
The Church of Laç is located in Northern Albania and is a religious site associated with St. Anthony Padua. The church was first built in the 13th century by the Byzantine Empire and showcased typical Byzantine architecture. However, in 1971, the church was partially destroyed by the communist regime led by Enver Hoxha. The church was destroyed in an attempt to suppress religion and religious sites. In 1990, following the fall of communism, the church was rebuilt by Albanians and Italian Vatican authorities. Today, the church is an important pilgrimage site in Albania, where over one million pilgrims visit the church every year. On the shrine's feast day on the 12th of June, pilgrims arrive and spend the whole night at the church to seek blessing and healing.
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.
Hampi, Karnataka, India. One of the many Vijayanagara market ruins in the boulder strewn landscape, with Tungabhadra River in the background
Yoga-Narasimha monolith carved in-situ at the Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka, India
The Garuda shrine in the form of stone chariot at Vitthala temple
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.
Each major Hindu temple complex in Hampi had a large water tank which were called Pushkarani (Jain temples of Hampi also feature a small water tank, usually in front and also stepped). The Pushkarani were symmetrical, either square or joined double square. In the center of these some water tanks was a shrine with a statue. These were public utilities, while bathing facilities and ghat facilities existed on the banks of the Tungabhadra river with several mandapa and shrines. The water tanks had steps to walk down and fetch water. The most intricate five level highly symmetric gray stone step well was fed by an stone aqua duct near the Maha Ramanavami (Mahanavami) procession and events performance platform, housed within the royal and court residence campus.
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.