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.
Western Ghats is a long mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India. Their abundant endemic species of both flora and fauna contribute to their rich biodiversity. In addition to water supply and soil retention, other ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, benefit millions of people. Another cultural element of the Ghats is the indigenous societies living within the mountain ranges, with their traditions and knowledge base profoundly rooted in the ecology and landscapes of the region.
Western Ghats form a continuous chain of mountains
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).