Publications
Aesthetics and technology: gold and silver ornaments from the Qin First Emperor's bronze chariots
Research on gold and silver ornaments from the Qin First Emperor's bronze chariots reveals that these components were produced using traditional piece-mould casting techniques, challenging assumptions about Western influence on early Chinese metalwork. The study employed digital microscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze hundreds of gold and silver pieces used in chariot harnesses, canopies, and crossbows. Findings indicate that these techniques align more closely with indigenous Chinese practices, such as those used for bronze and iron manipulation, rather than Western methods like forging or filigree. The research also explores the growing significance of gold during the Warring States Period through comparative analysis with other Qin-era artifacts.
Communicating Qin Culture Globally: Constructing International Discursive Power around the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army of the Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin has emerged as a powerful global symbol of Chinese civilization, leveraging international discursive power through strategic communication initiatives. The study reveals that the museum's overseas promotion efforts—including an expansive social media presence, innovative content creation, and diversified communication channels—have effectively positioned the Terracotta Army as a cultural bridge between China and the world. By analyzing operational strategies, resource advantages, and outcomes of these initiatives, researchers demonstrate how structured global engagement can amplify the cultural significance of heritage sites, offering a model for international cultural diplomacy.
Craftsmanship and Manufacturing Techniques of Bone Bow‐End Plates From Pit 1 of the Qin Terracotta Army
A groundbreaking analysis of bone bow-end plates from Pit 1 of the Qin Terracotta Army reveals intricate craftsmanship and standardized manufacturing techniques used during the Qin Dynasty. Paleoproteomic analysis confirmed that these plates were specifically crafted from cervid long bones, while microwear and microscopic analyses uncovered distinct marks left by files, denticulates, chisels, abrasion, and drilling tools, indicating a sophisticated shaping and finishing process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) further identified a multilayered surface coating consistent with modern lacquer films, suggesting the application of protective or decorative layers. These findings provide unprecedented insights into the technological organization and craftsmanship involved in Qin archery equipment production.
Digital Twins as Heritage Infrastructure
Digital twin technologies emerge as transformative heritage infrastructures, enabling precise monitoring, intelligent prevention, and dynamic communication for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. By synthesizing multisource sensing, refined modeling, and high-fidelity mapping, these systems create Cultural Heritage Information Models (CHIMs) and Communication Management Information Systems (CMIS), supporting real-time diagnostics, simulations, and predictive analytics. A triadic interactive model—reality space, virtual space, and cognitive space—serves as the conceptual foundation, facilitating AI-assisted virtual restoration, microclimate simulation, and immersive public engagement. Case studies from China, including the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, demonstrate how digital twins address diverse heritage challenges, from underground archaeology to fragile cave art, reshaping conservation through participatory and sustainable management.
Study of contortion in the Qin and Han dynasties: insights from pit K9901
A groundbreaking analysis of Figurine No. 28 from Pit K9901 at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor reveals that contortion techniques in Qin-Han dynasties were likely influenced by Western acrobatic traditions, challenging long-held assumptions about their origins. This study provides the first archaeological evidence linking early Chinese contortion to foreign cultural exchanges, tracing its evolution through regional adaptations. Researchers examined the figurine's physical stance and compared it with known Western contortion practices, offering new insights into ancient East-West interactions, burial beliefs, and the development of acrobatics in Chinese society. The findings bridge a critical gap in archaeological research on this understudied but culturally significant practice.
The Mausoleum Complex of Emperor Qin Shihuang
Archaeological discoveries at the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang, particularly the Terracotta Army unearthed in 1974, have revolutionized understanding of China's first empire. These findings challenge long-standing historical accounts and preconceptions about Qin-period art, technology, and societal beliefs. Over five decades, multidisciplinary research involving international collaborations has uncovered auxiliary pits and tombs with diverse material remains, prompting a reevaluation of written sources like Sima Qian's Historical Records. The study highlights innovative methods in archaeological survey, excavation, conservation, and research, underscoring their significant impact on Chinese archaeology as a discipline.
A Study on Innovative Experience Design for the Museum of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in the Era of Digital Humanities
This study introduces a novel approach to enhancing museum experiences at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. It addresses the gap in current intelligent museum models, which often focus on artifact restoration and conservation without adequately capturing visitor needs. The proposed solutions aim to deliver high-quality immersive visits, leveraging AI to innovate cultural heritage dissemination. By applying digital humanities frameworks, the research seeks to create more engaging and personalized experiences for visitors, ensuring that technological advancements align with educational and experiential goals.
Forging the First Empire: Qin's Materiality of Control and the Architecture of Eternal Order
The Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) established an unprecedented imperial order through systematic material culture and monumental architecture, challenging traditional narratives of military conquest. Standardization policies, vast construction projects like the Great Wall, and symbolic structures such as the Terracotta Army and mausoleum complex were strategically designed to manifest and perpetuate an empire intended for 'ten thousand generations.' This study reveals that Qin's materiality was a fundamental architecture of control, blending political authority with cosmological sanction. Through interdisciplinary analysis of archaeological findings, historical texts, and art history, the research demonstrates how these elements facilitated centralized governance, resource mobilization, and enduring imperial identity, setting foundational patterns for subsequent Chinese dynasties.
Genetic Algorithm Based on Trip Priority Optimization and Its Application in Tourism Path Planning
A genetic algorithm based on trip priority optimization significantly enhances tourism path planning efficiency, achieving over 90% time efficiency and superior solution quality compared to traditional models. At the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, this approach reduced travel time to just 6.03 minutes, outperforming other methods like ant colony optimization (7.86 min) or no path planning (16.25 min). The model's robustness in dynamic environments—such as sudden tourist flow changes or weather disruptions—was further validated through improved parallel thread utilization and higher average solution quality (ranging from 82.31 to 85.36) across training and testing datasets. This study demonstrates the potential of hybrid optimization algorithms to revolutionize smart tourism decision-making by providing real-time, adaptive path solutions.
Origin and Development of Contortion in the Qin and Han Dynasties: Insights from Pit K9901 of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
A figurine from Pit K9901 of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor provides new evidence for the origin and development of contortion in ancient China. The study reveals that Western acrobatic traditions influenced Qin-Han contortion techniques, which were later adapted to local cultural contexts through continuous innovation. This challenges existing assumptions about the evolution of Chinese acrobatics and offers fresh insights into early East-West cultural exchange during this period.
Qin structural timbers and the First Emperor’s Mausoleum (Xi’an, China)
Analysis of charred timbers from the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor reveals sophisticated logistical planning and labor organization during the Qin Dynasty. The study identified dark coniferous woods (fir, spruce, hemlock) sourced from rugged terrains, indicating advanced resource mobilization. A temporal shift toward higher-elevation species suggests ecological impacts from large-scale timber harvesting, aligning with historical records of Qin administrative dominance.
Research on the Application of Human-Computer Interaction in the Digital Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Human-computer interaction (HCI) technology significantly enhances the utilization and dissemination of digital cultural heritage, as demonstrated by its application in projects such as 'Digital Dunhuang,' 'Digital Forbidden City,' and the Terra Cotta Warriors restoration. This study identifies three effective models—immersive experience, collaborative restoration, and lightweight participation—that improve public engagement while maintaining cultural authenticity. Analysis shows HCI design tailored to user needs can boost digital resource utilization rates and stimulate public interest in heritage preservation. The findings provide practical technical references for similar digital protection projects, emphasizing the balance between technological adaptability and cultural fidelity.
Research on the center of mass calculation method for dynamic tilting of terracotta warriors from the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang
Research on the Terracotta Warriors from Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum reveals that the right leg and right side of the waist bear significant stress during dynamic tilting, highlighting critical areas for support in restoration. The study introduces an advanced method combining 3D laser scanning with an improved Moller-Trumbore algorithm to digitally reconstruct internal structures of fragmented warriors. By analyzing thickness data and calculating the center of mass using voxel and tetrahedral methods, it demonstrates that the voxel approach offers higher precision. Stability assessments further emphasize the need for targeted reinforcement in these high-stress regions to ensure artifact safety.
Archaeological Geophysics in China – A Historical Perspective
Archaeological geophysics has become indispensable in Chinese archaeology, enabling non-destructive detection and mapping of archaeological features with remarkable efficiency. Over the past 70 years, its development has mirrored advancements in geophysical technology, driven by both academic demand and economic growth. A pivotal moment occurred during the 2002–2003 survey at the Mausoleum of Qinshihuang, where a large-scale multi-geophysical project demonstrated unprecedented effectiveness in archaeological characterization. The study categorizes this evolution into four stages: embryonic (1950s–1980), initial (1980–2000), development (2000–2010), and internationalization (2010–present). Key applications now span ancient cities, tombs, cultural heritage preservation, urban underground remains, and underwater archaeology, solidifying geophysics as a standard tool for diverse archaeological interests in China.
Chinese primary art education and traditional art culture: focusing on the content analysis of art textbooks
A content analysis of 12 Chinese elementary art textbooks revealed that 77.1% (401/520) of illustrations depicted traditional Chinese cultural artworks, with 29.7% (120/520) focusing on pre-modern periods. These works primarily aimed to foster ethnic pride and cultural heritage appreciation, with 57.5% allocated to 'appreciation and criticism' learning areas. The analysis also highlighted a diverse range of artistic fields, including ceramics, sculpture, bronze, painting, architecture, and more, with specific emphasis on art historical significance across dynasties such as the Qin, Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing. Notably, aesthetic issues were addressed in Ming Dynasty works.
Facial Recognition and Classification of Terracotta Warriors in the Mausoleum of the First Emperor Using Deep Learning
A deep learning model achieved 95.6% accuracy in recognizing and classifying the facial features of Terracotta Warriors from the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, surpassing classical models like SqueezeNet and Inception_ResNetV1 by 4.1% and 2.8%, respectively. The study enhanced the FaceNet backbone feature extraction network with three 3×3 convolution kernels instead of a 7×7 kernel, incorporating Fire modules and an exponential loss function for smoother training. Agglomerative Clustering was then used to classify 295 warriors, providing a robust technical foundation for technological archaeology. This approach offers efficient and intelligent support for analyzing the authentic depictions of soldiers from the Qin Dynasty.
Behind the Terracotta Army
The discovery of the Terracotta Army in 1974, initially by commune workers in Lintong County, revealed a remarkable archaeological find that had lain buried for 2,200 years. This ensemble of life-sized clay soldiers, guards, and horses was part of the mausoleum complex of Qin Shi-huang-di, the First Emperor of China. The find not only shed light on the grandeur of Qin's imperial ambitions but also underscored the ideological underpinnings of Legalism, which posited that state-driven actions could cultivate goodness despite human nature being inherently evil. The discovery challenged traditional historical narratives, leaving scholars to reassess their perspectives on this monumental figure and his legacy.
Horses in Qin mortuary practice: new insights from Emperor Qin Shihuang's mausoleum
New zooarchaeological analysis of 24 horses from an accessory pit at Emperor Qin Shihuang's mausoleum reveals that the animals selected for burial were tall, adult males. This finding sheds light on the criteria used to choose livestock for the emperor's tomb and offers insights into horse breeds, husbandry practices, and their military and symbolic significance during the Qin Empire (221–206 BCE). The study employs detailed morphological analysis to determine the age, sex, and physical traits of the horses, providing a rare glimpse into elite mortuary practices in early imperial China. These results challenge previous assumptions about horse selection in high-status burials and contribute to our understanding of equine husbandry and social status display in ancient Chinese society.
Measurement and analysis of facial features of terracotta warriors based on high-precision 3D point clouds
High-precision 3D point cloud modeling and anthropometric analysis reveal that the terracotta warriors from Qin Shihuang's mausoleum were crafted from real portraits, closely resembling contemporary Chinese facial features. This challenges the notion of standardized models, suggesting instead that these life-sized figures represent an actual army intended to protect the emperor in the afterlife. The study employed mathematical statistics, including MDS and cluster analysis, to compare the warriors' facial traits with 29 modern Chinese ethnic groups, demonstrating a strong resemblance that supports the interpretation of individualized craftsmanship.
Unearthing New Lessons from Ancient China
The Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, China, stands as one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. This collection of over 7,000 life-sized terracotta figures, originally brightly colored and intricately detailed, was part of the elaborate tomb complex of Emperor Qin Shihuang (259-221 BCE), China's first emperor. The discovery has provided unprecedented insights into Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE) culture, history, politics, and art, with over 300 burial pits and tombs uncovered so far, spanning 17.6 square miles. These artifacts offer a glimpse into the First Emperor's understanding of himself and his world, as well as the artistic practices of the time. Despite global exhibitions, few accessible K-12 teaching resources exist about the Terracotta Army, highlighting a gap in educational materials for younger audiences.
The use of menthol on the archaeological site at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor
Research demonstrates that menthol can effectively inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria on the archaeological site of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, preserving its ancient wooden structures. The study employed a controlled application of menthol-based treatments to analyze their efficacy in preventing deterioration caused by microbial activity. This approach offers a promising solution for the long-term conservation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which faces significant challenges due to its age and environmental conditions.
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