Fujian Tulou, a remarkable example of rammed-earth architecture, is predominantly found in China’s Fujian province, with origins tracing back to the 10th century. Constructed on solid stone foundations, these massive, fortress-like dwellings are built from compacted raw earth, reinforced with bamboo and wood. Their ingenious design ensures durability, providing warmth in winter and coolness in summer, while also offering exceptional defensive capabilities—perfectly suited for the mountainous terrain they inhabit. As a testament to traditional Chinese village culture, Tulou reflects the harmony between human settlement and nature, with its layout, site selection, and material use embodying the sustainability and ingenuity of past societies. Recognizing its cultural and historical significance, UNESCO inscribed Fujian Tulou as a World Heritage Site in 2008. To safeguard this architectural legacy and promote sustainable tourism in line with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 3D scanning and virtual tourism become invaluable tools. High-resolution 3D models enable precise documentation and aid in restoration efforts, while VR experiences allow global audiences to explore Tulou remotely, minimizing the environmental impact of mass tourism. These digital innovations not only enhance heritage conservation but also foster local engagement, ensuring the enduring legacy of Fujian Tulou for future generations.
The Colosseum is one of Rome's most recognizable structures and a testament to the Roman Empire's engineering brilliance. The Colosseum, which was finished in 80 AD under Emperor Titus, could accommodate up to 50,000 people who came to see a variety of public performances, such as fake naval battles, gladiatorial fights, and animal hunts. The amphitheater was one of the most cutting-edge entertainment venues of its era because of its elliptical shape, which provides outstanding visibility from every seat. The Colosseum has experienced earthquakes and other natural disasters over the ages. It continues to stand as a tribute to Roman architecture and culture despite the effects of time. The Colosseum, a well-liked tourist destination, offers a direct link to ancient history and a window into the intricate social and cultural customs of the Roman Empire. Beyond just its outward appearance, it also symbolizes themes of amusement, dominance, and power in ancient communities. The Colosseum continues to inspire both tourists and academics as a symbol of tenacity and preservation today.
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.
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.
Located in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Hoh Xil is one of the world’s most unique plateau ecosystems. Known for its harsh environment, endemic species, and vital ecological functions, Hoh Xil's distinctive topography and climate have fostered rare plant and animal communities, earning it the reputation as a "genetic treasure trove of rare wildlife." As a key source region for the northern headwaters of the Yangtze River, Hoh Xil is home to a dense network of lakes that plays a crucial role in regulating water systems. Aligned with SDG 13: Climate Action, Hoh Xil benefits from big data and AI to enhance climate change monitoring and early warning systems. Digital tools such as data visualization, remote sensing, and AI models provide real-time insights into environmental changes and ecosystem health, enabling proactive conservation efforts. These technologies support better decision-making, improve climate adaptation strategies, and ensure the long-term preservation of this fragile ecosystem.
Camera: Canon 5D mark 3 Lens: 24-70 F/4 L Edited in Darktable
The Florence Cathedral is considered to be the symbol of Florence and Italian culture during the Renaissance. The first stone was laid in 1296, marking the beginning of the construction effort. Construction was finished when the dome was completed in 1436. The cathedral’s dome is the largest brick and mortar dome in the world, and alongside the new façade which was built in the 1800s, has substantial value as an educational resource for architecture, history and theology. This boosts SDG 4: quality education, by providing a learning opportunity to students of multiple disciplines. As such an iconic building, it brings tourism to Florence, which contributes to SDG 8: decent work and economic growth by creating job opportunities within the city. By providing a digital representation of the structure, we could extend this SDG4 education opportunity to those who are unable to travel to Florence. This would require using satellite or drone imagery to create a 3D representation of the cathedral. This would also act as a promotional tool for tourism. Even the best 3D representation would fail to match the spectacle of seeing the building in person, but would still give people an idea of what to expect. This would encourage them to visit Florence and see it in real life.
Built in 25 B.C., this monument was the main entrance to the city of Augusta Praetoria in modern-day Aosta. It has three openings, one for carriages and two for pedestrians. astern façade still has some of the marble slabs which originally covered the entire structure. Originally, there were four entrances to the town, but Porta Praetoria is the only one fully preserved. This promotes SDG 4: quality education. It serves as an educational resource for those studying Roman architecture and history. However, detail about Porta Praetoria on the internet is somewhat sparse, and those who want to explore the monument have to either travel to Aosta or stick to viewing 2D images. By using photographs to create a 3D model of the monument, we could let people explore the heritage from classrooms across the world and view it from multiple angles, promoting SDG:4 further.
Located in Dunhuang, China, the Mogao Cave are one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of Buddhist cave art. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the site includes 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and over 2,000 polychrome sculptures, showcasing centuries of cultural exchange along the Silk Road. In 1900, the discovery of the hidden Library Cave revealed a vast collection of over 60,000 manuscripts, scriptures, and silk paintings, dating from the 4th to the 11th century. These invaluable documents, written in multiple languages, provide crucial insights into the history, religion, and cultures of China and Silk Road civilizations. In 1987, the Mogao Cave were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. ﻿ Aligned with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, the Digital Dunhuang project uses advanced technologies like high-precision scanning, LiDAR, and 4K rendering to digitally preserve the Library Cave and its manuscripts, ensuring long-term conservation. Big data and AI help detect mural damage, improving restoration accuracy. Additionally, the project creates a globally accessible cultural heritage database via cloud computing, enabling sustainable resource sharing and fostering innovation in preservation and global access to cultural resources.
Located in Dunhuang, China, the Mogao Cave are one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of Buddhist cave art. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the site includes 735 caves, 45,000 square meters of murals, and over 2,000 polychrome sculptures, showcasing centuries of cultural exchange along the Silk Road. In 1900, the discovery of the hidden Library Cave revealed a vast collection of over 60,000 manuscripts, scriptures, and silk paintings, dating from the 4th to the 11th century. These invaluable documents, written in multiple languages, provide crucial insights into the history, religion, and cultures of China and Silk Road civilizations. In 1987, the Mogao Cave were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Aligned with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, the Digital Dunhuang project uses advanced technologies like high-precision scanning, LiDAR, and 4K rendering to digitally preserve the Library Cave and its manuscripts, ensuring long-term conservation. Big data and AI help detect mural damage, improving restoration accuracy. Additionally, the project creates a globally accessible cultural heritage database via cloud computing, enabling sustainable resource sharing and fostering innovation in preservation and global access to cultural resources.
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.
Nüshu, meaning "women's writing," is a rare syllabic script that developed from Chinese characters. It emerged in Jiangyong County, Hunan Province, during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Created and used exclusively by women, Nüshu is distinguished by its slender, rhomboid-shaped characters and fine, thread-like strokes. Traditionally, it is written vertically from right to left, differing from standard Chinese writing. This unique script not only met women’s personal and emotional needs but also reflected a quiet defiance against societal norms and the patriarchal system. Nüshu served as a means for women to share their thoughts, document traditions, and maintain connections, particularly through letters and songs. Many of these writings were inscribed on fans, handkerchiefs, and cloth. As the world’s only known gender-specific writing system, Nüshu is a valuable piece of intangible cultural heritage. It holds significant linguistic, anthropological, and feminist importance, offering insight into the resilience and creativity of marginalized women.
Loulan city China Xinjiang Urumqi Welcome you to tour the - panoramio
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.
Nvshu is a women's-only script that was passed down from mothers to their daughters in feudal-society China
Nvshu: China’s secret female-only language
Nvshu, literally “women’s writing,” is an intangible unique syllabic script derived from Chinese characters. It originated in Jiangyong County, Hunan Province in China, during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Created and used exclusively by women, this script is characterized by its rhomboid shape and delicate, thread-like strokes. The way of writing Nüshu is usually vertically from right to left. This writing style is in contrast to that of Chinese characters, aligns with women’s spiritual needs and seems to be the resistance against traditional norms and the patriarchal system. Nüshu served as a medium for women to express emotions and fold raditions, share personal narratives, build female solidarity, particularly through letters and ongs. Some are inscribed on fans, handkerchiefs, and cloth. This world’s only gender-exclusive writing system represents a form of intangible cultural heritage. It holds immense linguistic, anthropological, and feminist significance, offering insights into marginalized women’s resilience and creativity
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.
The Colosseum is one of Rome's most recognizable structures and a testament to the Roman Empire's engineering brilliance. The Colosseum, which was finished in 80 AD under Emperor Titus, could accommodate up to 50,000 people who came to see a variety of public performances, such as fake naval battles, gladiatorial fights, and animal hunts. The amphitheater was one of the most cutting-edge entertainment venues of its era because of its elliptical shape, which provides outstanding visibility from every seat. The Colosseum has experienced earthquakes and other natural disasters over the ages. It continues to stand as a tribute to Roman architecture and culture despite the effects of time. The Colosseum, a well-liked tourist destination, offers a direct link to ancient history and a window into the intricate social and cultural customs of the Roman Empire. Beyond just its outward appearance, it also symbolizes themes of amusement, dominance, and power in ancient communities. The Colosseum continues to inspire both tourists and academics as a symbol of tenacity and preservation today. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Target 11.4): Preservation of digital heritage enhances worldwide education about past civilizations and lessens the physical strain of mass tourism.
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.
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.
Basque is hypothesized to be a very ancient European language [A]. This is because it does not appear to have linguistic links to other languages of Indo-European heritage or any in the world for that matter [A-B]. It faced major suppression during the Spanish dictatorship in the 20th century [C]. Thankfully, today the Spanish government acknowledges Basque as an official language of the country [D]. It is important to note that Basque is also spoken in a neighboring region in France [E]. Basque has been shown to be a source of discrimination in the past, therefore protecting this heritage is important for the goal of reduced inequalities, sustainable development goal number 10 [F].
Located in the Highland Region of Scotland, the flow country is considered the most outstanding example of an actively accumulating blanket bog landscape. Has been accumulating for the past 9,000 years, this peatland ecosystem provides a diversity of habitats home to a distinct combination of bird species. Also, it displays a remarkable diversity of features which are not found anywhere else on Earth. Apart from this, it plays an crucial role in storing carbon. The Flow Country has an extensive record of peatland accumulation, with peat thicknesses which reach over eight metres. Ongoing peat-forming ecological processes continue to sequester carbon on a very large scale. Regarded as the type-locality for description of blanket bog, it represents a significant research and educational resource. In 2015, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and its partners created a 3D model for Flow Country's blanket bog to help people better understand Europe's biggest blanket bog. Plus, the Flow Country Organisation releases a game called Carbon Capture so as to let the public understand how to manage a peatland site for its natural properties to help reduce global warming, while causing minimal disturbance to the wildlife. Both actions contribute to the SDG 13 Climate Action. One of the targets of this goal is to improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. Through this digitalisation of the flow country, it could raise public awareness of climate change.
The old town of Edinburgh was dominated by a medieval fortress, while the new town, constructed between 1767 and 1890, exerted a far-reaching influence on European urban planning.The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas clearly articulated urban planning phenomena. Furthermore, the contrast between the organic medieval Old Town and the planned Georgian New Town of Edinburgh, provides a clarity of urban structure unrivalled in Europe. Correspondingly, these phenomena shape the uniqueness of Edinburgh. In 2017, researchers at the University of St Andrews conducted the new digital reconstruction of the lost townscape of sixteenth-century Edinburgh. It gave an overview of the townscape of the entire sixteenth-century city, with a particular focus on the Royal Mile – the historic spine of Edinburgh. In addition, the virtual time travel technology provided a unique window into the capital around the time of the birth of Mary Queen of Scots. Users could download the virtual reality app for mobiles and enjoy a top-down view of reconstructions of landmark present day sites such as St Giles’ Kirk, as well as long-lost landmarks such as the Nether Bow Port. This research project aligns with SDG 11 Sustainable Cities And Communities, strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
The Grand Canal is a vast waterway system in China, running from Beijing to Zhejiang province. Constructed in sections from the 5th century BC onwards, it was conceived as a unified means of communication for the Empire in the 7th century AD. In the 13th century AD, it could provide a unified inland navigation network consisting of more than 2,000 km of artificial waterways. In terms of dealing with difficult natural conditions, it is reflected in many constructions that are fully adapted to the diversity and complexity of circumstances, which is a remarkable and early development of hydraulic engineering and an essential technological achievement before the Industrial Revolution. Besides, the Grand Canal formed the unique cultural tradition of canal management via the Caoyun system, which contributed to the peasant economy and transport of food and troops. Correspondingly, the development of waterway networks also plays an decisive role in the economic and urban development in Ancient China. In order to propel digital protection of the Grand Canal, a project including digital archiving, virtual reconstruction and dynamic monitoring, was conducted in Beijing. Based on historical datasets, the research team completed the 3D models of 23 heritage sites and 3D virtual reconstruction of 15 ancient canal scenes. This effort contributes to the SDG 11 Sustainable Cities And Communities, which strengthens efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Plus, the project utilises remote sensing to evaluate the ecological landscape, water quality and micro-deformation so that it could monitor the ecological enhancement of the Grand Canal Beijing section and thus secure the sustainable development. This part contributes to the SDG 6 Clean Water And Sanitation and SDG 15 Life On Land.
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.
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 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 British Museum is a public museum dedicated to human history, art and culture located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Its permanent collection of eight million works is the largest in the world.