This image shows a mural exhibit from the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, on display at the National Art Museum of China. The original mural is part of a vast collection of Buddhist wall paintings created between the 4th and 14th centuries, located in grottoes carved into the cliffs along the ancient Silk Road. These artworks reflect the spiritual and artistic exchanges between Chinese, Central Asian, and Indian cultures. The mural shown here is a replica or display version, curated for public exhibition and educational outreach. As such, it is categorized as “Movable Cultural Heritage”, whereas the original site of the Mogao Caves constitutes “Immovable Cultural Heritage”. This distinction is crucial in heritage documentation and digital preservation. The image was uploaded as part of a cultural heritage mapping project for academic and non-commercial use.
The most famous pond in Huwon, the secret garden.
Sipadan Island, a globally renowned diving site in Malaysia, is a marine sanctuary formed atop an extinct volcanic cone, rich with over 3,000 marine species. As part of the Coral Triangle, it holds ecological and cultural importance for the indigenous Bajau Laut people. To safeguard its biodiversity, the Malaysian government limits tourism and employs advanced digital tools such as remote sensing, drone monitoring, and AI for reef health analysis and visitor tracking. Virtual Reality (VR) experiences also offer immersive access while minimizing environmental disruption. These efforts underscore Sipadan’s status as a model for sustainable marine conservation, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology to protect endangered ecosystems and support scientific research. SDG Target: Goal 14.5 – Conserve at least 10% of coastal and marine areas, in line with national and international law
Jazz music originated among African American communities in New Orleans, Louisiana, beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The genre blends African rhythms, ragtime, blues and various other musical traditions. Known for its improvisational style, jazz encourages solo performances, as it emphasizes individuality and allows for a strong expression of a wide range of emotions. Beyond its artistic contributions to society, jazz has become to represent a greater cultural movement. The music and its communities were particularly impactful towards social change during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. Its style has since evolved, influencing other forms of music and art worldwide.
Sipadan (Malay: Pulau Sipadan) is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600 metres (2,000 ft) from the seabed. It is located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. It was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop. Sipadan is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. More than 400 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this ecosystem.
Jazz music originated among African American communities in New Orleans, Louisiana, beginning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The genre blends African rhythms, ragtime, blues and various other musical traditions. Known for its improvisational style, jazz encourages solo performances, as it emphasizes individuality and allows for a strong expression of a wide range of emotions. Beyond its artistic contributions to society, jazz has become to represent a greater cultural movement. The music and its communities were particularly impactful towards social change during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. Its style has since evolved, influencing other forms of music and art worldwide. Jazz music contributes to SDGs #4, #10, and #16. It supports #4 Quality Education, providing educational opportunities surrounding music, history and culture, and creativity and individuality. Importantly, it also serves #10 Reduced Inequalities, due to its role as a medium for social and political commentary on injustice and equality. Additionally, jazz music bridges and unites diverse communities through the universal language of music. Lastly, it maintains #16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, symbolizing peaceful resistance and civil rights, while embodying inclusive diversity and the ideals freedom and justice.
Traditional Fabric Dyeing - Batik [Malaysia]
Trade relations between the Malay kingdoms in Sumatra and Malay peninsula with Javanese coastal cities have thrived since the 13th century. The northern coastal batik-producing areas of Java (Cirebon, Lasem, Tuban, and Madura) have influenced Jambi batik, which, along with Javanese batik, subsequently influenced the craft in the Malay Peninsula. Later, in the 1920s, a new influx of Javanese batik makers introduced stamped batik to the peninsula. The batik industry today provides significant benefit to the Malaysian economy, and the Malaysian government supports efforts to promote their own artisans and their products abroad
Composition for "Jazz" is a 1915 painting by the French artist, theorist and writer Albert Gleizes. The painting is in the permanent collection of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
Batik is a centuries-old art form originating in Southeast Asia, especially prominent in Malaysia and Indonesia. Known for its intricate wax-resist dyeing process, Batik reflects folklore, nature, and spiritual motifs. In Malaysia, it represents national identity and sustains local economies through fashion and cultural tourism. Digitally, this heritage is preserved through high-resolution archiving, virtual exhibitions, AR experiences, and digital fabric printing. While digital printing allows mass production, it raises concerns about authenticity. Tools like VR games and AR tutorials bridge accessibility gaps, promoting deeper public engagement with this traditional craft. Batik’s digital revival supports artisans economically and ensures this vibrant cultural expression is preserved in modern, sustainable ways. SDG Target: Goal 8.3 – Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, and entrepreneurship, including micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises
A batik craftsman shows his skills at Kuala Lumpur’s Jadi Batik Centre.
Independence Hall, an important and notable site in American history, is the location of the adoption of both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to establish independence from the British monarchy, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787, creating the early foundations of a new country. The significance of these events contributes to Independence Hall’s nickname as the “birthplace of American democracy”. Today, Independence Hall remains a powerful symbol representing liberty, justice, and self-governance. Independence Hall contributes to several United Nations SDGs, most significantly #4, #11 and #16. It supports #4 Quality Education by serving as a key landmark for educating people about democracy, human rights and governance. It enhances #11 Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting educational and responsible tourism, further preserving its importance across future generations. Lastly, it upholds #16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions as it represents the ideals of liberty and justice. By incorporating the use of digital technology, Independence Hall reaches a wider audience, furthering its contributions to UN SDGs.
Independence Hall, an important and notable site in American history, is the location of the adoption of both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to establish independence from the British monarchy, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787, creating the early foundations of a new country.
Melaka and 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
Yellowstone National Park, established as the first national park in the world in 1872, remains a vital representation of natural preservation. The park’s boundaries span the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho and has become an emblem of environmental conservation. Yellowstone National Park supports several United Nations Standard Development Goals (SDGs), including #3, #13, and #15. It contributes to #3 Good Health and Wellbeing as it promotes positive mental and physical health by providing a public and accessible space in nature for ecotourism. It’s importance to #13 Climate Action is highlighted by natural and physical attributes which allow for the observation and study of both short-term and long-term effects of climate change. Finally, it supports #15 Life on Land with its dedication to its designation as protected land, supporting the maintenance of rich biodiversity and conservation.
Melaka & Georgetown - Historic Cities Along The Straits of Melaka, Malaysia
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.
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park, established as the first national park in the world in 1872, remains a vital representation of natural preservation. The park’s boundaries span the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho and has become an emblem of environmental conservation.
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
Jiuzhaigou Valley is located within Sichuan Province, China, and has gained a widespread reputation for its unparalleled natural scenery. Here, there are colorful lakes, multi-layered waterfalls with a well-arranged layout, and unique limestone terraces. Its distinctive karst landform and rich biodiversity led to its inclusion in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1992. As a habitat for endangered species such as giant pandas and takins, Jiuzhaigou is also a vital nature reserve. In addition, the Qiang and Tibetan ethnic groups live in this valley, and their inherited cultural traditions have added profound historical significance to this area. In order to properly protect the natural and cultural resources of Jiuzhaigou and promote the steady development of tourism, Jiuzhaigou National Park has established an official website. Through digital forms such as pictures and videos, it promotes Jiuzhaigou, helping people from all over the world to recognize Jiuzhaigou. By popularizing the unique natural landscapes and cultural customs of Jiuzhaigou, tourists can have a deeper understanding of the local history and respect the local customs, thus enhancing the harmonious relationship between tourists and local residents and strongly promoting the sustainable development of tourism. These measures are highly consistent with the requirements of SDG 15, SDG 12, and SDG 11.
St Kilda, a remote volcanic archipelago, lies approximately 100 miles off the west coast of Scotland. It is made up of islands such as Soay, Boreray, Hirta, Dun, and Levenish. The archipelago boasts breathtaking sceneries and Europe's highest sea cliffs. These cliffs serve as vital nesting grounds for numerous seabirds, including puffins and gannets, endowing St Kilda with significant avian biodiversity. With over 2,000 years of human habitation in harsh conditions, the islands retain remnants like architectural structures, field systems, cleits (stone storage rooms), and traditional Highland stone houses. In 1930, the last inhabitants left. Recognizing its unique natural and cultural values, UNESCO listed St Kilda as a World Heritage Site in 1986, and added its marine environment and cultural landscape in 2004 and 2005. To preserve it digitally, initiatives like the Scottish Ten Project have employed 3D laser scanning. This creates digital models of structures and archaeological features, allowing virtual tours. Such efforts, in line with UN SDG 11, boost sustainable tourism and education while safeguarding the world's cultural and natural heritage.
The Leshan Giant Buddha, located in Sichuan Province, China, is the world’s largest stone Buddha statue, standing 71 meters tall. It was carved into a cliff at the meeting point of three rivers — the Min, Dadu, and Qingyi — during the Tang Dynasty, from 713 to 803 AD. Initiated by the monk Haitong, it was built both as a religious symbol and to calm dangerous waters for passing boats. Next to the Buddha, Mount Emei is a vital site for ecological research and conservation. In 1996, UNESCO listed both the Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei as a World Heritage Site, recognizing their combined cultural and natural value. Over time, the Buddha has suffered from erosion and human activity. To protect it, authorities now use 3D scanning and AI to detect cracks and biological damage. These advanced technologies help create precise restoration plans, ensuring the long-term preservation of this cultural treasure, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11.
The Potala Palace, situated in Lhasa, Tibet, is a monumental structure that served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and a spiritual and administrative center of Tibetan Buddhism. Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, it stands as a symbol of Tibetan history, culture, and architectural brilliance. Digital preservation of the Potala Palace can support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by facilitating interactive 3D reconstructions and virtual tours that educate global audiences about Tibetan heritage. High-resolution imaging and photogrammetry can capture the palace’s intricate details, while real-time monitoring systems help track environmental impacts.