Publications
Archaeometric Study of Red Lime Plaster in Ming Dynasty Wudang Mountain Architecture: Composition, Technology, and Symbolism
An archaeometric analysis of Ming Dynasty red lime plaster from Wudang Mountain's Wulong Palace and Laojun Hall reveals a two-layered construction technique, where the outer layer combines red earth, ochre, and magnesium lime for aesthetic and symbolic purposes—reflecting aristocratic privilege and reverence for vermilion—while the inner layer primarily supports structural adhesion. The study also identifies fiber reinforcement in both layers, with higher fiber content in the outer layer, showcasing advanced craftsmanship. Using XRF, XRD, TG-DSC, IR, and PLM, researchers analyzed mineral composition, lime types, organic additives, and fibers, providing insights for preservation efforts and deepening understanding of ancient Chinese architectural color symbolism.
Exploring plastering techniques in ancient Chinese royal architecture at Huilong temple using multi-analytical methods
A groundbreaking analysis of the Huilong Taoist Temple, part of China's Wudang Mountains World Heritage Site, reveals that its well-preserved walls owe their durability to a sophisticated combination of raw materials and meticulous plastering techniques. Researchers discovered distinct compositions in two wall plaster layers: the surface layer incorporates magnesium lime, lateritic soil, ocher, and paper mulberry bast fiber for texture and color, while the base layer relies more on lime without ocher. This layered approach, with coarse materials forming the foundation and finer elements applied superficially, provides both structural integrity and aesthetic qualities. The study not only deepens our understanding of ancient Chinese royal architectural practices but also offers critical insights for modern conservation efforts at this UNESCO-listed site.
How can short travel videos facilitate tourists’ decision-making about traveling to cultural heritage destinations? Evidence from the Wudang Mountain Complex
Short travel videos significantly influence tourists' decision-making regarding cultural heritage destinations, with positive emotions and perceived cultural heritage value directly impacting choices. A study on the UNESCO-listed Wudang Mountain Complex revealed that while cultural involvement indirectly affects decisions through emotional responses and value perception, factors like cultural identity and destination image do not play a significant role. Using stimulus-organism-response theory, researchers analyzed 401 responses to short promotional videos, validating how these elements shape travel behavior. The findings offer actionable insights for marketing cultural heritage sites, emphasizing the importance of crafting videos that evoke positive emotions and highlight heritage value.
How Do Natural Environmental Factors Influence the Spatial Patterns and Site Selection of Famous Mountain Temple Complexes in China? Quantitative Research on Wudang Mountain in the Ming Dynasty
Ancient temple complexes in China's mountainous landscapes, such as the UNESCO-listed Wudang Mountain site, were strategically planned to align with environmental factors like terrain, hydrology, climate, and soil conditions. Research using geospatial analysis reveals that temples were deliberately positioned along ridge-aligned belts with a southwest-northeast orientation, avoiding geotechnical extremes while prioritizing zones of moderate thermal, hydrological, and vegetative stability. Cliffside temples, in particular, showed strong correlations with soil pH, porosity, and bulk density. These findings indicate that temple planning was an active process integrating environmental adaptation and cultural symbolism, offering new insights for the conservation of mountain cultural heritage sites.
Analysis of Decorative Paintings in the Dragon and Tiger Hall of Yuzhen Palace: Culture, Materials, and Technology
Scientific analysis of the decorative paintings in the Dragon and Tiger Hall of Yuzhen Palace, Wudang Mountainsreveals they are among the rare surviving wooden painted structures from the early Ming dynasty (1412 AD). Using advanced techniques like optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy, researchers identified natural mineral pigments (azurite, malachite, vermilion, and hematite) consistent with official Xuanzi paintings of the period. The craftsmanship, applied directly to wood without a ground layer but with a thin tung oil-lime base, mirrors styles found in Taihe Palace's Golden Roof. This study provides critical data for the preservation and restoration of this culturally significant heritage site.
Application of Femtosecond Laser Processing Method in the Sustainable Conservation of Stone Cultural Relics: An Example of Green Schist in Wudang Mountain, China
Researchers achieved significant breakthroughs in the sustainable conservation of stone cultural relics using femtosecond laser processing. By creating hierarchical micro-nano structures on green schist, a key material in Wudang Mountain's ancient building complex, they successfully modulated its wettability to achieve a water contact angle of up to 147°. This was accomplished by preparing grooves with an optimal spacing of 400 μm using femtosecond laser irradiation (238 fs, 100 kHz, 40 μJ, 33 μm, 500–40,000 pulses). The study systematically investigated the processing mechanism and performance, revealing that different compositions—quartz, chlorite, and muscovite—exhibit distinct responses to laser irradiation. These findings provide a novel approach for the sustainable conservation of ancient buildings and cultural relics, addressing challenges posed by environmental factors such as rain.
Case studies
Case studies on cultural landscapes reveal complex interactions between human and natural systems, highlighting their significance for heritage conservation. These studies demonstrate that communities associated with such landscapes often span vast networks, extending beyond geographical boundaries. Examples include tourists linked to West Lake, dispersed Maori peoples connected to Ihumaatao, Micronesians tied to Yap, Taiwanese associated with longan orchards, viticulture systems in the Azores, and Chinese Taoists spiritually connected to the Wudang Mountains. Scale emerges as a critical factor in understanding these landscapes, underscoring the importance of case studies in sharing knowledge for their preservation.
Multi‐analytical Studies of Archaeological Chinese Earthen Plasters: The Inner Wall of the Longhu Hall (Yuzhen Palace, Ancient Building Complex, Wudang Mountains, China)
A multi-analytical study of the earthen plasters from the Longhu Hall (Yuzhen Palace, Wudang Mountains) reveals sophisticated construction techniques used during the Ming Dynasty. The research identified two distinct earthen plaster layers with a whitewash finish coating, applied over a thin intermediate layer to enhance adhesion. Ramie and straw fibers were incorporated into the plasters to mitigate shrinkage and cracking during drying. The analysis, combining optical and electron microscopy, X-ray and vibrational spectromicroscopies, and thermogravimetry, indicates a well-established construction industry that integrated traditional earthen building materials with advanced lime technology. This finding underscores the ingenuity of ancient Chinese builders in adapting materials and techniques to ensure structural durability.
Fine Surveying and 3D Modeling Approach for Wooden Ancient Architecture via Multiple Laser Scanner Integration
A groundbreaking approach using multiple terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) achieves unprecedented accuracy—within 3 mm—in surveying and 3D modeling of ancient wooden architecture, even in challenging, steep terrains like the Wudang Mountains. This method overcomes traditional limitations such as mutual sheltering and scanning view restrictions by integrating three-level TLS with scalable measurement capabilities. The study introduces a multi-scale data fusion technique for precise registration and filtering of complex architectural structures, enabling the generation of detailed drawings (plans, facades, sections) and 3D models. These advancements facilitate deformation analysis and digital preservation, setting a new standard for high-precision documentation of heritage sites.
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