Preserving ancient cultural heritage is a challenge tackled by Chinese researchers with innovative technology aimed at protecting one of the nation’s most remarkable Neolithic sites. After a six-year-long development program, a series of technological methods have been unveiled to effectively control high humidity levels in site museums, ensuring a more favorable environment for priceless cultural relics.
The ambitious program was conducted at the Dadiwan Site in Qin'an County, northwest China's Gansu Province. Recognized as one of China's largest and best-preserved Neolithic settlement sites, Dadiwan offers a unique glimpse into prehistoric life spanning from approximately 8,000 to 4,800 years ago.
The highlight of the site, the iconic Dadiwan F901, boasts a history exceeding 5,000 years and spans an area of 420 square meters. It stands as the largest and most intricately crafted large-scale housing structure from China’s prehistoric era. Initial renovation efforts introduced a sealed glass curtain wall to protect the structure; however, this led to a continuous rise in humidity within the site, resulting in outbreaks of microbial diseases that threatened the preservation of the relics.
To combat these challenges, researchers from the Dunhuang Academy and the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences developed advanced techniques to regulate the internal climate of the site museum. These innovations are set to significantly enhance the preservation conditions, ensuring that the Dadiwan Site remains a well-preserved testament to ancient civilizations for generations to come.
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Chinese researchers develop tech to protect 5,000-year-old ruin site
cgtn.com
