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
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
AbstractTraditional Cantonese ancestral halls are essential components of Chinese cultural heritage, functioning as symbolic systems that embody rich cultural values. Drawing from architectural semiotics, we propose the DualPath-WavNet_Canton model to dec
AbstractBuddhist sculptures face preservation challenges due to physical degradation and limited accessibility. We present a framework for high-fidelity 3D reconstruction from single 2D images, integrating modified Stable Diffusion architecture with a nov
AbstractTraditional Chinese gardens embody sophisticated spatial design principles often described through abstract terms like “scenic archetypes,” yet systematic methods for analyzing their visual spatial characteristics remain underdeveloped. This study
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
AbstractIdentification of archaeological wood species is critical for decoding the biogeographical, historical, and cultural narratives of artifacts, but remains a challenge in practice. To address this challenge, we developed a deep learning framework in
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
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
AbstractPetrifying springs are priority habitats where bryophytes sustain travertine formation and key ecological functions. Bibliometric analysis of 124 studies reveals the field’s evolution from taxonomic studies to a multifunctional perspective. We dem
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
AbstractAs a living heritage, the Jiangnan Canal landscape features interwoven natural and artificial water networks. To accurately interpret its overall spatial composition and address heritage sustainability challenges, this study proposes Geo-SegFormer
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
Han Zhang, Taozhi Wang, Zhan Zhang, Bang Li, Hua Sun, Chengbin Hou, Nan Wang, Yang Yu, Qingju Jiao, Jing Xiong Yongge Liunpj Heritage Science volume 14, Article number: 19 (2026)AbstractOracle bone inscriptions are China’s earliest writing system, dating
AbstractGlobal agricultural heritage systems (GIAHS), recognized for their biocultural significance, is facing a critical challenge of balancing preservation with development. Despite digital nomads’ potential to generate low-impact heritage revitalizatio
AbstractFew-shot point cloud semantic segmentation (FS-PCSS) is crucial for architectural heritage digitization, as it segments unseen categories with minimal annotations. However, existing methods focus on target features while neglecting background mode
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
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
AbstractAssessing landscape ecological risk (LER) is vital for sustainability in ecologically fragile regions. However, LER in cultural heritage sites remains insufficiently explored. Using Guyi Basin as a case study, this study analyzes LER dynamics unde
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
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
AbstractAncient mural restoration is a challenging conditional image-generation problem because of large missing regions, semantic ambiguity, and strict demands for cultural and stylistic fidelity. We present DiffuMural, a multi-stage, condition-guided di
AbstractHistorical buildings are important symbols of urban characteristics and context, and their protection or reuse requires minimal intervention. This article aims to establish a method for selecting the minimum intervention level. Firstly, this study
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: 27 January 2026npj Heritage Science volume 14, Article number: 59 (2026)AbstractThis study develops a Cluster Protection and Utilization System (CPUS) through complex network analysis to enhance conservation strategies for traditional villages
AbstractChinese paintings, as treasures of traditional culture, embody the historical depth and artistic heritage of Chinese civilization. To support digital management of A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings (CCACP), this study constru
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
AbstractThe Ming Great Wall in Beijing suffers from hidden voids, detachments, and moisture infiltration from long-term weathering and human impacts. Invasive diagnostics risk irreversible damage to this UNESCO site. This study developed a non-destructive
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: 74 (2026)AbstractOutdoor solar loading thermography (SLT) for cultural heritage is challenged by nonstationary environmental forcing that masks defect responses. This study advances
By Zhang Kun | CHINA DAILY | Updated: 2024-10-11 08:16Exhibition displaying relics and digital reproductions from Dunhuang gives public a better view, Zhang Kun reports.Arguably the most comprehensive and diversified exhibition of Dunhuang art in Shanghai
By Zhang Kun | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2024-08-21 17:19Lovers of Dunhuang art and culture dressed as the characters in the Mogao Caves frescoes. Cultural relics recognized as the national treasure of China from Dunhuang of Gansu province will be feat
The central axis stretches for 7.8 kilometers through the Chinese capital. Digital technology should be more widely used to protect and raise public awareness of monuments and heritage sites, experts and scholars said at an event in Beijing on Tuesday to
It is still controversy in the academic world, whether the humanbeings on earth come from Africa, or each continent has theirorigins. However, one thing is certain: before the emergence ofthe national system, humans did not need passports, visas, andh a d
Night view of Palace Museum "Palace Museum will extend its opening hours to the evening for the first time for two consecutive nights in celebration of this year's Lantern Festival," museum curator Shan Jixiang said at an event on Saturday.The m
A green glaze pottery couch dates to the Ming Dynasty.ZHANG RUINAN / CHINA DAILYA green couch of glazed pottery from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and pottery animals with a livestock shed from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) are being carefully packed for
Archaeologists sift the dirt carefully (left) to discover the ancient ceramic pieces (right) at the Allaippidy site in Sri Lanka, majority of which appear to have been made in China and have traveled along the ancient maritime Silk Road. Archaeologists fr
The Terracotta Warriors are familiar to every foreigner who has ever traveled to China. Located in Xi’an, Shaanxi province, they provide clues about the Qin Dynasty (221—206 BC).However, few know that similar figures exist in the royal tombs of other dyna
Make traditional treasures come alive, says Palace Museum directorFrom：China DailyWriter：Zhang XingjianDate：2018-03-02The Palace Museum Director Shan Jixiang delivered a cultural heritage speech Feb 27 in Beijing, which was co-organized by the Beijing Dip
More than 1,100 cultural artifacts recovered after a robbery are displayed in Xi'an. Authorities are determined to capture and punish professional criminals who break into ancient graves and steal age-old treasures, as Zhang Yan reports.Turning a corner n
Buddha statues are displayed at a Beijing show via 3-D and virtual reality technologies. After more than two years of renovation works, the Tianlongshan Caves in North China's Shanxi province reopened to the public earlier this month, displaying its Buddh
The art of Mogao Caves was displayed with 3D technology during the Summer Davos Forum in Dalian, Liaoning province, in 2015. Digitization, internet traffic used to ease number of visitorsThe popularity of the Mogao Caves, which house the world's largest c
Bronze Cart Ornament with Standing Deer Pattern An exhibition of cultural relics started recently in Hebei Museum in North China's Hebei province. More than 340 collections of cultural relics and artworks from eight provinces will be exhibited until Octob
A documentary titled Masters in the Forbidden City that was recently screened in China shedslight into the intriguing craft of restoring precious relics in the Imperial Palace.
Construction cranes are busy at work for the restoration of the ancient county seat of Taiyuan, in Jinyuan District of Taiyuan City, capital of north China's Shanxi Province. Established in 1375, the ancient county seat is well preserved over the last 600
A source said that about 2 million Wu Zhu coins weighing more than 10 tons were unearthed, and 100,000 have been sorted so far. Surprisingly, the character on one coin was found to have been carved upside down. The source added that considerably more time
About 2,500 years ago, mourners buried a man in an elaborate grave, and covered his chest with a shroud made of 13 Cannabis plants, according to a new study.
The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, has begun torenovate one of its major former imperial courtyard houses in an effort tobetter protect a building that is nearly 500 years old and to set an examplefor preserving other historical building
In mid-July, organized by the Xinjiang Team of the Institute of Archaeology of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, archaeological work in the year of 2016 on Beshbalik City Ruins is officially started.
On July 25, according to wall construction, unearthed cultural relics, laminated cultural layers and the contained relics fragments of Beshbalik City Ruins, the Xinjiang archaeological team of the Institute of Archeology of Chinese Academy of Social Scien
Necklaces and bracelets have been very popular since ancient times. How exquisite are Tang Dynasty jewelries? Recently, the Xi'an Institute of Archaeology announced the archaeological achievements of ...
