Researchers work on protecting a historical site in Liangzhu. [Photo/WeChat account: wenbozhongguo]

In the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Yuhang district of Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, researchers are harnessing science and technology to protect its 5,000-year-old ruins from natural decay, local media outlets reported.

The site's iconic earthen structures — such as ancient city walls and water system dams — face ongoing threats from moss, moisture, and erosion.

To combat these challenges, the Liangzhu heritage monitoring center and Zhejiang University are developing a new formula for Liangzhu botanical essential oil, a tried and tested moss-control solution that's now losing its effectiveness due to biological resistance.

"What once lasted six months now only works for four to five," said conservation expert Gao Haiyan.

Liangzhu's preservation efforts span multiple disciplines. For example, geotechnical specialist Yu Yuansheng recently completed a study on soil seepage channels, which threaten structural stability by washing away fine particles within the soil.

Since opening to the public in 2019, folks at the Liangzhu site have worked to balance display and preservation. Select excavation profiles remain visible to visitors, requiring advanced monitoring and protection methods.

This July, China's first lab dedicated to earthen sites in humid environments opened at Liangzhu. Spanning 1,500 square meters, the lab includes chemistry, engineering and material science research spaces.

"Our work involves constant trial and error," said Huang Li, director of the heritage center. "Protecting Liangzhu means building from zero — there's no existing roadmap," he added.

Supported by top institutions including Zhejiang University, the Dunhuang Academy and the Chinese Academy of Cultural Heritage, Liangzhu's conservation team hopes the research will benefit other sites facing similar environmental challenges.

Tech to the rescue: 3D modeling is used to help protect Liangzhu. [Photo/WeChat account: wenbozhongguo]