AbstractThe magic lantern, developed in the mid-17th century, was the first optical instrument for projecting transparent images painted on glass slides. It became a powerful tool for scientific and religious education, entertainment, and advertising thro
AbstractAccurate identification of pigments is vital for preserving Tibetan Thangka paintings, where mineral colors often occur in undocumented mixtures and layered structures. We introduce an automatic hyperspectral framework that unifies pigment classif
AbstractThis study focuses on the three-dimensional visualization of intangible cultural heritage of the tie-dye handicraft, proposing a craft logic-oriented virtual modeling method to reconstruct fabric shaping and dyeing in virtual space. Based on a par
AbstractArchive storage boxes are preventive tools used by museums and archives to mitigate the impact of adverse external factors. In this study, quaternized chitosan and polyacrylamide double-network gel were used to load sodium octaborate tetrahydrate,
AbstractSalt weathering poses a major threat to porous sandstone in cultural heritage. Iron-tartrate complexes have been proposed to modify NaCl crystallization behavior and prevent clumping. However, their efficacy in stone conservation has remained unve
AbstractHan-Tang Western Region beacon towers hold significant historical value but suffer severe damage, with traditional restoration lacking visual references. This paper proposes a GAN-based image restoration method combining Pix2Pix and CycleGAN model
AbstractTo promote the digital preservation and dissemination of Tibetan Opera, a unique form of intangible cultural heritage, this study addresses key challenges such as limited sample availability, intricate costume patterns, variable object scales, and
AbstractThe Guanzhong region, a major political and cultural center in ancient China, is known for its imperial and noble tombs with symmetrical, central-axis layouts that reflect hierarchical order and feng shui principles. These tombs, often aligned wit
AbstractThangka murals, as a vital carrier of Tibetan Buddhist culture, pose unique challenges for automatic image colorization due to their intricate structures and rich symbolic content. To address the critical issues of color overflow and semantic inco
AbstractPredynastic Egyptian stone vessels offer unique insight into the technological sophistication of early cultures. Thousands of stone vessels were created during the Predynastic Period. Many objects lack archaeological context due to looting and hap
AbstractThe risks of aging, damage, and disappearance of ancient buildings are becoming increasingly severe. Three-dimensional digital technology is increasingly crucial for their protection, restoration, and research. Addressing the low efficiency and po
AbstractGenerating traditional Chinese landscape paintings from classical poetry is a challenging cross-modal task due to the condensed semantics and esthetic abstraction of poetic language. Existing text-to-image models struggle to interpret classical Ch
AbstractTo address the challenge of Identifying traditional villages of diverse cultural types, this paper proposes an intelligent image classification method based on deep learning. We use five cultures—Hakka, Linchuan, Luling, Yuanzhou, and Yuzhang—as c
AbstractOracle bone script, China’s earliest known mature writing system, epitomizes ancient Chinese civilization’s origins. However, many characters are severely damaged by temporal degradation and natural erosion, complicating their interpretation. Thus
AbstractThis study investigates the provenance and manufacturing process of glassware excavated from the Jiujian Site in Heilongjiang Province, China, dating to the Liao and Jin Dynasties (A.D. 907–1234), using multiple non-destructive analytical techniqu
AbstractThis study uses generative adversarial networks to address the issues of weathering and pigment fading in the murals of Yongle Palace. It also introduces various attention mechanisms for comparison and takes into account structural information, te
AbstractThangka murals are vital Tibetan cultural heritage. However, existing digital images face insufficient clarity, often limited to resolutions below 1024 × 1024 pixels, which hinders cultural preservation and analysis. Despite their potential, Trans
AbstractPoetry-to-image generation aims to translate abstract poetic language into visual art, but existing methods fail to capture deep emotions and artistic essence, producing images that lack the poem’s aesthetic quality. To address this, we propose a
AbstractBased on the Web of Science literature (2004-2024), this review synthesizes integrated applications of solar, geothermal, wind, and other renewables in architectural heritage. It proposes principles centered on authenticity and assesses the potent
AbstractUnderstanding ecosystem service driving mechanisms (ESDM) is essential to ensure the sustainable utilization of ecosystem services (ES). However, a systematic assessment of ESDM is still lacking. To address this gap, this study used a systematic l
AbstractAncient Chinese wooden structures exhibit remarkable organic characteristics, reflected in their highly integrated construction and exceptional seismic performance. To explore the seismic-resistant wisdom inherent in ancient wooden structures, thi
AbstractArchaeological Predictive Model is crucial for efficient site identification but faces challenges like high uncertainty in negative samples, limited accuracy, and simplistic analyses of site-environment interactions. This study, based on 189 Kusha
AbstractAgricultural heritage landscapes are complex socio-ecological systems increasingly challenged by human pressures and climate change, yet the mechanisms underlying their ecosystem resilience remain unclear. This study combines time-series remote se
AbstractConsidering the threat of urbanization, exploring the multilevel spatial characteristics of irrigation district cultural landscapes (IDCLs) is crucial for their sustainable conservation. This study employs a multiscale framework and interdisciplin
AbstractHistoric urban buildings embody cultural memory but often struggle to meet contemporary energy performance standards. This study develops an Urban Building Energy Modelling (UBEM) framework that integrates heritage conservation constraints into ne
AbstractIn the context of global urban renewal, historic urban areas (HUAs) face the challenge of balancing heritage preservation with sustainable development. Heritage tourism is a key pathway to achieve this balance. The emotional responses and behavior
AbstractPaper-based artifacts are particularly susceptible to pest infestations. To overcome the limitations associated with conventional treatments, this study introduces a nitrogen-based anoxia/hypoxia and pressure regulation (NPR) system as a safer alt
AbstractIdentifying ancient textile fibers is crucial for conservation and reflects ancient subsistence and economic practices. This study investigates fiber and textile fragments from two neighboring turquoise mining sites in the Hexi Corridor, dating to
AbstractWater seepage can accelerate the deterioration of stone, but previous experimental studies often only focused on a single solution, ignoring the complexity of the natural water environment. In this study, sandstone samples from two strata of Lesha
AbstractThe preservation of cultural artifacts is vital for maintaining historical continuity, particularly for traditional Chinese paintings that often suffer from decay and damage over time. Existing inpainting methods struggle to simultaneously recover
AbstractExisting studies have primarily focused on how the functional evolution of vessels responded to external demands, and many have overlooked the influence of regional institutional contexts and global trade networks. Drawing on computational text an
AbstractSeventeen Han Dynasty iron artifacts from the Luojiaba site, including materials from unit H235 and a burial area, were analyzed using metallography and SEM–EDS. The results indicate the concurrent use of cast iron and wrought iron/steel technolog
AbstractWhile Go embodies the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation, archaeological research on it remains limited, particularly concerning Go-related cultural artifacts. We employed a suite of analytical techniques—including high-depth-of-fiel
AbstractDesiccation cracking and salt accumulation are major deterioration mechanisms in earthen sites within site museums, primarily caused by coupled moisture and salt migration under controlled environmental conditions. However, limited research on soi
AbstractGrassland phenology plays a critical role in ecosystem functioning and tourism dynamics in natural heritage sites. Focusing on Narat Shan of the Tianshan World Natural Heritage Site, this study integrates multi-source remote sensing, meteorologica
AbstractWe test whether orientation rules in the Eight Mansions (Ba Zhai) tradition align with microclimatic comfort in a hot–humid setting. Using CFD coupled with the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), we simulated 24 rotational orientations of a ty
AbstractRecognizing the unique construction nature and significance of historical reinforced concrete structures (1912–1949 in China), targeted research is vital for conservation strategies. This study collected and sorted six types of historical steel re
Qiang Zhang, Jiazhen Qin, Ying Qi, Teng Wan, Shanxiong Chen, Lixin Yang, Chenyang Wang, Xin Zhang, Jintan Han Fengchen Qinpj Heritage Science volume 14, Article number: 25 (2026)AbstractJiandu, ancient China’s primary writing medium before paper, frequen
AbstractFor conservation and restoration purposes, the multi-analytical methods including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermally assisted hydrolysis-methylation pyrolysis-g
AbstractSeveral Shang and Zhou Dynasty oracle plastrons from the Taijiasi Site (Funan, Anhui, China) exhibit random flake- or patch-like surface black deposits unlikely induced by burning or pyromancy. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray
AbstractBronze inscriptions (BI), engraved on ritual vessels, constitute a crucial stage of early Chinese writing and provide indispensable evidence for archeological and historical studies. However, automatic BI recognition is challenging due to visual d
Shengxin Peng, Wen Liu, Tao Zhang, Junbing Pu, Zhiqiang Zhao, Haoran Liu, Yanhao Zhai, Nataša Ravbar, Alena Gessert Eko Haryononpj Heritage Science volume 14, Article number: 31 (2026)AbstractCave-air CO₂, one of the key indicators of cave ecosystem stab
AbstractThis study examines geomaterials from the Western Han Hongtushan tomb in Shandong, using an integrated analytical approach that includes optical imaging, Raman spectroscopy, handheld XRF, XRD, and EPMA. Several types of geomaterials were identifie
AbstractMural degradation presents significant challenges to cultural heritage preservation. To address this, a hierarchical mural inpainting model, APLDiff, based on a lightweight diffusion model, is proposed. A physics-based degradation simulation is in
AbstractAdvances in AI, particularly deep learning, are transforming the protection and utilization of historical and cultural landscapes. This study proposes a comprehensive digital regeneration workflow for fragmented historical images that systematical
AbstractDigital humans are emerging as innovative media for interpreting the cultural heritage value of museums. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model, this study examines how information richness, information quality, aesthetic experience, and flow ex
AbstractCultural heritage (CH) conservation has long been shaped by expert value perceptions (EVP), while public perspectives remain underrepresented. With the growing recognition of CH’s role in urban social sustainability, there is a need to move beyond
AbstractMost granite processing techniques rely on physical destruction, with few utilizing minor chemical alteration. By combining archeological observations with experimental replication, this study investigates whether ancient granite works could have
AbstractHeritage trees are vital natural-cultural heritage, contributing to regional biodiversity with significant social, cultural, and ecological values. Understanding their spatial patterns in relation to environmental and anthropogenic factors can inf
AbstractThis study analyzes 16 pieces of greenish-white porcelain unearthed from the Hongjiajie cemetery, the family burial site of Han Derang of the Liao Dynasty in Beizhen, Liaoning. Using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and laser ablation
AbstractSuspended ancient timber structures, characterized by complex construction and unique load-transfer mechanisms, are prone to pronounced dynamic responses under pedestrian walking loads. This study aims to systematically investigate the structural
Published: 24 January 2026npj Heritage Science volume 14, Article number: 57 (2026)AbstractDou-Gong is one of the key factors in achieving seismic resistance and energy dissipation for timber architectural heritages. This study carried out experimental an
Published: 28 January 2026npj Heritage Science volume 14, Article number: 61 (2026)AbstractDigital inpainting of traditional Chinese murals is challenged by the difficulty of disentangling intricate structures from unique artistic styles, often leading to
AbstractDigital restoration of ancient murals is crucial for preserving cultural heritage. However, existing methods often suffer from semantic distortion and stylistic inconsistencies when repairing large damaged areas. This paper proposes M3SFormer, an
AbstractAlthough research on ground stone tools has increasingly embraced multidisciplinary approaches over the years, studies on polished stone axes and adzes still lack deeper and dynamic analysis. This paper presents a study of the function and reuse o
AbstractOnline cultural heritage presentations are transitioning from traditional media to immersive 3D displays, yet high-fidelity on-site 3D modeling faces copyright, security, and preservation constraints. This study proposes a deep learning-based 3D r
AbstractStandard 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) relies on multi-view images, creating a barrier for museum artifacts archived only as colored point clouds without corresponding registered images. We propose a 3DGS paradigm that operates directly on colored
Published: 29 January 2026npj Heritage Science volume 14, Article number: 66 (2026)AbstractThis study applies high-precision industrial metrology to the conservation of rammed-earth buildings (Tulou), establishing a structural health monitoring (SHM) fram
Published: 31 January 2026npj Heritage Science volume 14, Article number: 77 (2026)AbstractTraditional research on ceramic colors relies heavily on qualitative descriptions and subjective judgments. This approach limits the ability to process large-scale
Published: 31 January 2026npj Heritage Science volume 14, Article number: 80 (2026)AbstractDuring the Eastern Han Dynasty, privately produced bronze wares dominated the market, with utilitarian vessels such as Xi and Hu demonstrating significant commercia
Online platforms help safeguard ancient relics of the Mogao Caves and give tourists and researchers better access to learn about and study their magnificent history, report Xu Lin and Ma Jingna in Dunhuang, Gansu.By Xu Lin and Ma Jingna | CHINA DAILY | Up
考古学理论手册（上下册） 作者:(英)R.亚历山大·本特利 (R. Alexander Bentley) /(英) 克里斯托弗·奇彭代尔(Christopher Chippindale)出版社:中国人民大学出版社 译者:陈胜前 /陈国鹏出版年: 2025-6定价: 239元ISBN: 9787300337234内容简介理论是一门学科的制高点，对学科的发展具有指导作用。知其然知其所以然，理论学习是不可或缺的。本书从多个维度系 ...
By Yang Xiaoyu | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2025-10-14 15:01A poster promoting the third Liangzhu Forum The third Liangzhu Forum is set to open in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang province, on Saturday, under the theme of “Revitalization of Civilization:
孙家岗遗址位于叶县昆阳镇西菜园村李庄北约1000米的昆水北岸的二级台地上。遗址南北长650米，东西宽260米，总面积17万平方米。文化层厚2-3。6米，其中有裴李岗时期的三足钵、侈沿罐、弧刃石铲。仰韶时期的鼎、罐、盆、钵、红顶碗、龙山时期盂、鼎、罐、瓮、战国两汉时期的陶豆、罐、鼎、空心砖等，遗址还出土有石斧、铲、凿、镰和蚌镰等生产工具。 ...
