Publications
Interpretation of “The Centre of Heaven and Earth” World Heritage Nomination and the Tensions of Cultural Transmutation: From Ancient Cosmology to Contemporary World Heritage Contestation
Mount Songshan, China’s central sacred mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies the ancient cosmological concept of 'The Centre of Heaven and Earth.' This study reveals that while the site’s World Heritage nomination reflects this cultural significance, it also highlights tensions arising from its evolving interpretations. The research demonstrates the need for a reinforced indigenous narrative to acknowledge the long-term transmutability of culture and its multiple possibilities. By tracing critiques from ancient cosmology to contemporary contestations, the paper offers insights into localized applications of World Heritage theory, emphasizing the dynamic nature of cultural heritage.
Ground penetrating radar surveys on the ancient Dengfeng Guanxingtai observatory, China
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys of the ancient Guanxingtai Observatory in Dengfeng, China—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the earliest astronomical observatories—revealed key structural details. The study found that the brick layers have a dielectric constant ranging from 10.5 to 12, with a thickness of 0.57–0.6 meters, suggesting possible refilled mortar layers behind them. Strong diffractions in radargrams further indicated subsurface anomalies. Conducted using 500- and 900-MHz GSSI SIR-2 systems in 2009, the survey provides critical insights into the observatory's construction, aiding conservation efforts for this historic site.
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