Shanxi showcases ancient architectural legacy to global delegates

The gathering centered on the challenges of modernizing heritage conservation through digital tools, with a specific focus on Shanxi’s unmatched collection of early timber structures. The province houses 518 wooden buildings dating from the Yuan Dynasty or earlier, alongside three rare examples of Tang Dynasty architecture. During the program, participants traced the historical 1937 archaeological discovery of these sites, examining Tang stone pillars and interior hall murals to understand the evolution of Chinese construction techniques.

Innovation played a central role in the week’s proceedings, particularly at the Yingxian Wooden Tower. Through immersive virtual reality, attendees navigated the tower’s complex interlocking brackets and examined Liao Dynasty sculptures that are otherwise difficult to access. Md. Nazmul Islam, Bangladesh's ambassador to China, identified sites like the Yungang Grottoes as essential spiritual anchors for humanity, while Pakistani journalist Mian Abrar Hussain praised China's digital integration as a viable blueprint for international heritage management. By blending traditional archaeology with high-tech exhibition methods, organizers aimed to shift cultural preservation from static documentation to a living, interactive experience.