As climate extremes intensify in 2025, cultural heritage in Gansu Province in the northwest of the Chinese mainland is getting a high-tech shield 🌦️🏛️. With over 16,000 immovable relics facing threats from storms, flash floods, sandstorms and heat waves, Gansu's cultural authorities and meteorological bureau have teamed up to shift from reactive rescue to proactive prevention.
This collaborative model taps into real-time data from AI-driven weather stations, satellite imagery and IoT sensors placed near temples, grottoes and ancient fortresses. Think of it as a weather app for ancient ruins: when extreme rain or heat is on the way, alerts go straight to site managers' phones.
Complemented by drones that scan walls for moisture and structural cracks, this system helps heritage teams catch early signs of damage before they spread. According to local officials, the proactive approach has cut emergency repairs by 40% compared to last year.
Experts say Gansu's model could inspire other regions on the Chinese mainland and beyond, as museums and monument sites worldwide look for climate adaptation strategies. For young travelers and culture lovers, it's a sign that tradition and technology can join forces to safeguard our shared past.
"This project shows how science and history can work hand in hand to protect stories carved in stone," says a heritage manager in Gansu. "We're no longer chasing disasters – we're staying one step ahead."
Reference(s):
Meteorological tech protects ancient heritage in NW China's Gansu
cgtn.com
