A Glimpse of Pingyap Ancient City Street
Pingyao ancient city is a well-preserved ancient towns in China. This digital exhibit introduces the cultural value of Pingyao, the threats it faces due to climate change, and how digital technologies can support its long-term protection.
Attraction One: Pingyao Ancient City Walls
Pingyao was founded in the 14th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it reflects the urban design, architecture, and cultural practices of the Ming and Qing dynasties [1].
Do you know what the city wall is made of?💡(click to reveal)
Made from rammed earth which is highly vulnerable to moisture.
Attraction Two: The Shuanglin Temple
The Shuanglin Temple is famous for over 2000 existing painted sculptures made in the Ming and Qing dynasties, reputating it as “oriental art gallery of painted sculptures” [2].
Attraction Three: Zhenguo Temple
Main shrine of Zhenguo Temple was built in Five Dynasties and it was one of the timber structure buildings in existence [2].
Of course, the pictures above are just the tip of the iceberg of the ancient city. There are many more famous attractions that are not listed one by one, such as the ancient Chinese bank – Rishengchang. For more information on touring the ancient city, visit the official website of Pingyao Ancient City touring sites, where you can find introductions to different attractions, travel guides, and ticket information. It is worth noting that there is a Pingyao Technology and Art Museum, where you will have great VR experience.
Climate Change and Flood Risk
Pingyao is located on the Loess Plateau and has experienced heavier rainfall in recent years. In 2021, intense rainstorms in Shanxi Province caused damage to 51 sections of Pingyao’s ancient city walls [3]. The heritage is vulnerable to extreme weather events. You can view the restoration work of the ancient city below:
Modern technology for Digital Preservation
Modern technology can be effectively used for the digitization of heritage. By modeling and restoring physical heritage, it allows visitors to have a good experience without leaving their homes. The video below shows how modern drone and 3D modeling technology can be used to digitally document and protect ancient cities like Pingyao.
On the other hand, daily monitoring is also very important. For example, digital technology can be used to measure and visualize cracks in the ancient city walls of Pingyao [4].
Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global framework aimed at building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future. This digital exhibit addresses several key goals by highlighting the role of cultural heritage in climate action, sustainable cities, and public education.
🌳SDG 11
This exhibit helps promote cultural preservation in urban heritage sites.
🌳SDG 13
It raises awareness about climate risks affecting Pingyao.
🌳SDG 4
It offers new ways to learn about heritage through digital tools.
I’d love to hear your thoughts!📝
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Reference
[1] UNESCO World Heritage Centre, “Ancient City of Ping Yao,” UNESCO, [Online]. Available: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/812/. [Accessed: Apr. 15, 2025].
[2] UNESCO World Heritage Centre, “Ancient City of Ping Yao,” UNESCO World Heritage Centre, [Online]. Available: https://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=812. [Accessed: Apr. 15, 2025].
[3] Global Times, “Ancient city wall in Pingyao collapses after torrential rain hits North China’s Shanxi,” Global Times, Oct. 7, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202110/1236378.shtml. [Accessed: Apr. 15, 2025].
[4] D. Zhao and Y. Ma, “Research on the Application of 3D Laser Scanning Technology in the Protection of Ancient Architecture in Pingyao Ancient City,” Digital Heritage, no. 6, pp. 56–63, 2021. [Online]. Available: http://dh.dha.ac.cn/Journal/Article?id=53633&table=EMPTY2_METADATA. [Accessed: Apr. 15, 2025].