Publications
Extraction of Deterioration and Analysis of Vegetation Impact Effects on the South Palace Wall of Weiyang Palace
A groundbreaking study reveals that vegetation plays a dual role in the deterioration of earthen structures, with paper mulberry offering protective effects against erosion while ziziphus jujuba significantly worsens structural vulnerabilities by inducing cracks. Using high-resolution LiDAR scanning and unprecedented on-site botanical surveys, researchers analyzed the south palace wall of Weiyang Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Silk Roads network. The study employed contour line analysis, facade grid analysis, and an object-oriented classification algorithm to map deterioration patterns and vegetation types, providing a technical model for monitoring earthen sites along the entire Silk Road network. These findings offer critical insights for guiding conservation efforts and understanding the complex interactions between vegetation and ancient structures.
Silk Roads Heritage Diplomacy
Heritage diplomacy practices have shifted with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which, since its launch in 2013, offers financial support and coordination for transboundary heritage conservation efforts. While UNESCO remains the primary authority in managing cultural heritage, the BRI introduces a new dynamic that challenges the 'western-dominated' approach to heritage diplomacy. The successful inscription of the Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor as World Cultural Heritage in 2014 highlights this shift, contrasting with unsuccessful nominations in South Asia. This study examines how the BRI's involvement in cultural exchange initiatives and transboundary nominations may balance existing heritage governance structures, while also outlining the challenges and prospects ahead for such cooperation.
Ancient Witnesses of the Silk Road: The Cultural Tourism Potential of Historical Caravanserais in Anatolia
Historical caravanserais along the Silk Road's Anatolian Caravan Roads can be sustainably integrated into cultural tourism through contemporary conservation and digital technologies. This study demonstrates that repurposing these ancient structures—such as those on the Konya-Antalya/Manavgat route—as part of a cultural route, while applying modern preservation techniques, enhances their potential for tourism. The research builds on the 2014 UNESCO designation of the Chang'an-Tianshan corridor as a World Heritage Site, proposing a scenario that balances heritage protection with accessibility. By leveraging digital tools and adaptive conservation approaches, the study offers a model for transforming neglected Silk Road landmarks into vibrant cultural destinations.
A Study on the Spatial Interpretation Strategy of Chang'an City Site of Tang Dynasty: From the Perspective of Cultural Routes Interpretation
A novel spatial interpretation strategy for preserving and interpreting the Tang Dynasty Chang'an City Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the starting point of the Silk Roads network, has been developed. This approach integrates potential underground ruins into modern urban development while addressing contradictions between heritage conservation needs and urban growth. By combining archaeological and literary materials, the study explores the relationship between historic urban contexts and contemporary city patterns, emphasizing the importance of spatial interpretation in guiding principles for cultural heritage preservation and land use co-development.
Gestión de las rutas patrimoniales: “Rutas de la seda, Red viaria del Corredor Chang´an-Tianshan” en China y “Camino de Santiago” en Castilla y León = The Heritage routes management: “Silk Road: Chang´an-Tianshan Corridor” in China and “Camino de Santiago" in Castilla y León
UNESCO's designation of 'Heritage Routes' for cultural routes with historical, patrimonial, and territorial value highlights the need for integrated linear management and protection. A comparative study of two UNESCO World Heritage Routes—the Silk Road: Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor in China and the Camino de Santiago in Castilla y León—reveals key differences and challenges in their management. While the Silk Road stands out for its cultural and landscape diversity, the Camino de Santiago is characterized by homogeneity. Both routes face common difficulties, including the multiplicity of laws across territories, the lack of cohesive route-wide policies, and a predominant focus on tourism over heritage conservation. The study underscores the importance of unified approaches to protect and promote these linear heritage sites effectively.
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