Ordos project named UNESCO model case for digital heritage preservation

A cultural heritage protection project from Ordos city in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region has been selected as a model case by UNESCO, underscoring the growing role of digital technologies in heritage conservation.

The project, "Digital Preservation and Utilization of the Shierliancheng Site in Juungar Banner", was recognized under the category of technology-enabled cultural heritage protection.

It was announced at the fifth Creative 2030 International Forum, co-hosted by the International Centre for Creativity and Sustainable Development under UNESCO and the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia on March 27 in Beijing.

Selected from 40 cases worldwide, the Ordos project is the only entry from Inner Mongolia. Submissions were evaluated by 12 experts based on innovation, sustainability, and replicability in such fields as cultural industries, heritage conservation, and intangible cultural heritage development.

Launched in 2025, the project undertook systematic, high-precision digital documentation of the Shierliancheng archaeological site, which covers about 1 million square meters.

It utilized an integrated "air-space-ground" data acquisition system and captured information ranging from macro-level terrain to millimeter-scale details, while addressing challenges such as accurate color reproduction in large-scale outdoor environments.

The initiative has generated high-resolution 3D models with centimeter- to millimeter-level accuracy, setting a new benchmark for digital heritage preservation. It has also established a standardized, replicable workflow that integrates precise digital archiving, scientific virtual reconstruction, and immersive applications.

The achievements have been translated into a comprehensive digital platform serving both research and public engagement.

In addition to supporting archaeological studies and conservation monitoring, the platform offers interactive features such as panoramic online tours and virtual reality experiences to enhance public access to and understanding of cultural heritage.