Publications
Cultural Heritage Protection and Flood Hazard Control in Arid Areas: A Case Study of Xixia Imperial Tombs in China
A critical misconception about arid regions being flood-free is challenged by new research, which reveals that climate change-driven extreme precipitation events pose significant and underestimated risks to cultural heritage sites like China's Xixia Imperial Tombs. The study demonstrates that proactive, preventive conservation—integrating engineering solutions with technology-based monitoring systems—is essential for long-term protection against compound hazards of drought, desertification, and sudden flooding. By analyzing the site’s geographical characteristics, traditional flood management structures, and contemporary practices, the research provides a transferable framework for heritage risk management in similar arid environments worldwide.
Climate-adaptive prediction of wind erosion risks for earthen heritage under multi-scenario futures
A novel framework integrating centimeter-scale LiDAR modeling, high-resolution CFD simulations, and CMIP6 climate data predicts nonlinear wind erosion risks for earthen heritage sites under multiple future scenarios. Applied to the Xixia Imperial Tombs, this approach reveals that moderate climate forcing (SSP2–4.5) poses higher long-term degradation risk than extreme scenarios (SSP5–8.5), with significant interannual variability and uncertainty ranges. The study advances predictive modeling of climate-driven hazards in arid regions, offering critical insights for resilient conservation strategies under UNESCO’s climate action framework.
Cultural Translation Strategies of the Western Xia Tombs from the Perspective of World Heritage: From the Protection of Earthly Sites to the Construction of a Digital Cultural Tourism Ecosystem
Contemporary cultural heritage protection must pivot on technology, utilize scenes as carriers, and co-create value to establish a dynamically balanced digital cultural tourism ecosystem. This study proposes a 'cultural translation' framework for the Western Xia Mausoleum, demonstrating how three-dimensional collaboration—material heritage protection, digital technology empowerment, and cultural value reconstruction—can transform earthen sites from mere preservation to dynamic revitalization. The research confirms that such an approach holds significant global relevance for the protection and revitalization of similar cultural heritage sites, offering a replicable digital solution for their sustainable development.
Muon Detection Technology and Its Application in the Archeology of XiXia Imperial Tombs
Muon imaging technology has been successfully applied for the first time to detect internal density anomalies within the No. 2 Mausoleum of the XiXia Imperial Tombs. This non-destructive method leverages cosmic ray muons to identify structural details crucial for preservation efforts. The study introduces optimized observation parameters and inversion techniques, including a density-length product calculation based on muon survival rates, addressing gaps in muon detection research. These advancements enhance the efficiency and accuracy of muon imaging, providing key data for archaeological analysis and conservation strategies.
Remote Sensing Archaeology of the Xixia Imperial Tombs: Analyzing Burial Landscapes and Geomantic Layouts
A suspected true location for the ninth imperial tomb (M9) of the Xixia Imperial Tombs has been identified using declassified GAMBIT imagery, significantly advancing understanding of Tangut burial practices and geomantic layouts. This discovery was achieved through an integrated remote sensing approach combining multi-resolution satellite data—including Gaofen-2 (GF-2), Landsat-8 OLI, and Google Earth—with deep learning techniques like YOLOv5 for automated feature detection. The study also applied spectral indices and image fusion to enhance archaeological feature visibility, demonstrating the effectiveness of this methodology for site preservation and analysis. By providing a replicable framework for heritage studies, the research underscores the potential of advanced remote sensing and machine learning in uncovering and safeguarding cultural landscapes.
Singularités architecturales du cimetière impérial des Xixia : le monument funéraire
The Xixia imperial necropolis, located against the Helan Mountains near Yinchuan, China, presents unique architectural features distinct from traditional Chinese and neighboring states' funerary practices. Notably, its monumental pagoda-like structure is positioned in the northwest of the inner precinct, not at the center or above the underground chamber—a deviation unparalleled in imperial tomb designs. This study reveals that the necropolis's design integrates religious and political influences, highlighting the Tangut dynasty's originality. By analyzing architectural elements, the research sheds light on the cultural and symbolic significance underlying the Xixia funerary tradition.
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