Digital Approaches for the Protection of Inner Mongolia’s Paper-Cutting Art as Intangible Cultural Heritage
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52152/heranca.v9i2/1257Palavras-chave:
Inner Mongolia’s Paper-Cutting; Intangible Cultural; Heritage Safeguarding; Digital Adoption; Immersive Technologies (VR/AR); Knowledge Graphs.Resumo
One of the key elements of the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of China, the paper-cutting art of Inner Mongolia, is increasingly facing a threat in terms of preservation and transmission within the context of the quickly modernised society and demographic changes. Even though the use of digital technologies is promoted as a way of preserving ICH, their actual impact is not sufficiently researched. The study will analyze the consequences of adopting digital technologies on the outcomes of heritage preservation, such as digital twins, virtual/augmented reality virtual reality (VR) and aumented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and knowledge graphs, based on the original survey data of 200 artisans and heritage institutions carried out in 2024-2025. Using the mixed-method method and regression analysis, we can find that there exists a positive statistically significant influence of digital adoption on the performance in preservation and that the increase of one unit in the index of digital adoption has a positive effect on the preservation scores by 2.41-points (p < 0.001). Though knowledge of digital technologies, on the one hand, is positively related to preservation, mediation analysis indicates that the relationship between digital adoption and preservation is not significantly mediated by artisans' knowledge of digital technologies, and the indirect relationship is insignificant. Further results indicate that the positive impact of digital adoption is increased with policy support. The results show that digital technologies aid in maintaining a heritage primarily through direct and ecosystem-scale effects and not through the transmission of personal knowledge. The research gives empirical data to guide the development of integrated, policy-enhanced digital policies to preserve intangible cultural heritage.
Downloads
Referências
Alrihani, N. (2022). Interactive mixed reality experiences : Integrated digital representations of tangible/intangible Cultural Heritage assets and immersive technology applications to improve heritage visitor experiences. The University of Liverpool (United Kingdom).
Bao, Q., Zhao, J., Liu, Z., & Liang, N. (2025). AI-Assisted Inheritance of Qinghua Porcelain Cultural Genes and Sustainable Design Using Low-Rank Adaptation and Stable Diffusion. Electronics, 14(4), 725. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14040725
Camba, J., Contero, M., Johnson, M., & Company, P. (2014). Extended 3D annotations as a new mechanism to explicitly communicate geometric design intent and increase CAD model reusability. Computer-Aided Design, 57, 61-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cad.2014.07.001
D Macredie, R., & Mijinyawa, K. (2011). A theory-grounded framework of Open Source Software adoption in SMEs. European Journal of Information Systems, 20(2), 237-250. https://doi.org/10.1057/ejis.2010.60
Dai, M., Feng, Y., Wang, R., & Jung, J. (2024). Enhancing the digital inheritance and development of Chinese intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting through stable diffusion LoRA models. Applied Sciences, 14(23), 11032. https://doi.org/10.3390/app142311032
Demirdogen, A., Olhan, E., & Hasdemir, M. (2022). Heterogeneous impact of agricultural support policies: evidence from Turkey. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 24(10), 12203-12225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01941-9
Farella, M. (2025). Digital solutions for immersive virtual reality exploration of cultural heritage sites. https://tesidottorato.depositolegale.it/handle/20.500.14242/353566
He, Z., & Wen, C. (2024). Construction of digital creation development model of intangible cultural heritage crafts in China. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-04331-4
Hornbæk, K., & Hertzum, M. (2017). Technology Acceptance and User Experience : A Review of the Experiential Component in HCI. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 24(5), 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1145/3127358
Hu, W., Li, M., Chi, X., Wang, X., & Khan, A. U. (2024). Intangible cultural heritage research in China from the perspective of intellectual property rights based on bibliometrics and knowledge mapping. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 11(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03314-9
Kim, S., Im, D., Lee, J., & Choi, H. (2019). Utility of digital technologies for the sustainability of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Korea. Sustainability, 11(21), 6117. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11216117
Kostadimas, D., Kasapakis, V., & Kotis, K. (2025). A systematic review on the combination of VR, IoT and AI technologies, and their integration in applications. Future Internet, 17(4), 163. https://doi.org/10.3390/fi17040163
Li, J., Wider, W., Ochiai, Y., & Fauzi, M. A. (2023). A bibliometric analysis of immersive technology in museum exhibitions : Exploring user experience. Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 4, 1240562. https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2023.1240562
Li, L., Yang, Y., & Li, X. (2025). Design of intangible cultural heritage products based on 3D visualization technology. Computer-Aided Design & Applications, 125-137. https://doi.org/10.14733/cadaps.2025.S4.125-137
Li, M., Xu, S., Tang, J., & Chen, W. (2024). Design and research of digital twin platform for handicraft intangible cultural heritage-Yangxin Cloth Paste. Heritage Science, 12(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-024-01161-0
Li, N., Li, X., & Xiao, W. (2025). Intangible cultural heritage threatened-level categories and criteria. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04595-4
Lian, Y., & Xie, J. (2024). The evolution of digital cultural heritage research : Identifying key trends, hotspots, and challenges through bibliometric analysis. Sustainability, 16(16), 7125. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16167125
Liu, S.-H., Liao, H.-L., & Pratt, J. A. (2009). Impact of media richness and flow on e-learning technology acceptance. Computers & Education, 52(3), 599-607. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2008.11.002
Luther, W., Baloian, N., Biella, D., & Sacher, D. (2023). Digital twins and enabling technologies in museums and cultural heritage : An overview. Sensors, 23(3), 1583. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23031583
Magliocca, P., Canestrino, R., Carayannis, E. G., & Gagliardi, A. R. (2025). Understanding human-technology interaction : Evolving boundaries. European Journal of Innovation Management, 28(5), 2006-2028. https://doi.org/10.1108/EJIM-04-2024-0341
Mazzetto, S. (2024). Integrating emerging technologies with digital twins for heritage building conservation : An interdisciplinary approach with expert insights and bibliometric analysis. Heritage, 7(11), 6432-6479. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7110300
Mlekus, L., Bentler, D., Paruzel, A., Kato-Beiderwieden, A.-L., & Maier, G. W. (2020). How to raise technology acceptance : User experience characteristics as technology-inherent determinants. Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. Zeitschrift Für Angewandte Organisationspsychologie (GIO), 51(3), 273-283. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11612-020-00529-7
Münster, S. (2019). Digital Heritage as a Scholarly Field—Topics, Researchers, and Perspectives from a Bibliometric Point of View. Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage, 12(3), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.1145/3310012
Niccolucci, F., & Felicetti, A. (2024). Digital twin sensors in cultural heritage ontology applications. Sensors, 24(12), 3978. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24123978
Qi, Q., Tao, F., Hu, T., Anwer, N., Liu, A., Wei, Y., Wang, L., & Nee, A. Y. (2021). Enabling technologies and tools for digital twin. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 58, 3-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmsy.2019.10.001
Ren, K., & Lam, J. F. (2026). Knowledge graph-driven digital preservation of intangible cultural heritage : A cross-cultural comparative study of Chinese and Western implementation paradigms. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 13(1), 147. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-06186-9
Siddiqui, M. S., Syed, T. A., Nadeem, A., Nawaz, W., & Alkhodre, A. (2022). Virtual tourism and digital heritage : An analysis of VR/AR technologies and applications. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 13(7). https://doi.org/10.14569/IJACSA.2022.0130739
Sun, T., Jin, T., Huang, Y., Li, M., Wang, Y., Jia, Z., & Fu, X. (2024). Restoring dunhuang murals : Crafting cultural heritage preservation knowledge into immersive virtual reality experience design. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 40(8), 2019-2040. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2232976
Truong, M. C., & Le, P. L. (2024). Evaluating the importance of digital tools or approaches to hospital performance using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-Delphi approach. Journal of Hospital Management and Health Policy, 8, 16. https://doi.org/10.21037/jhmhp-24-60
Wang, S., Yang, Y., & Shi, W. (2025). Configuring factors for effective dissemination of intangible cultural heritage on Douyin : An fsQCA approach. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05414-6
Yan, Z., Lim, C. K., Hu, D., Ahmed, M. F., Halim, S. A., & Li, L. (2025). Construction of digital dissemination effects evaluation indicator system of traditional techniques of intangible cultural heritage. npj Heritage Science, 13(1), 224. https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-025-01793-w
Yi, C., Huang, J., & Song, L. (2025). Enhancing intangible cultural heritage dissemination through digital experience : An affective events theory approach. npj Heritage Science, 13(1), 438. https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-025-02017-x
Yu, J., Zhang, H., & Zhang, J. (2024). Research on the digital transformation of dynamic display of intangible cultural heritage along the Grand Canal. 2024 3rd International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities and Arts (SSHA 2024), 535-549. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-259-0_58
Zhang, W., Taib, N., & Taib, M. (2025). Reimagining cultural heritage conservation through VR, metaverse, and digital twins : An AI and blockchain-based framework. PloS one, 20(11), e0335943. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0335943
Zhang, Y., & Song, Y. (2022). The effects of sensory cues on immersive experiences for fostering technology-assisted sustainable behavior : A systematic review. Behavioral Sciences, 12(10), 361. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12100361
Zhao, J., & Liu, X. (2024). ICT, Supply chain digital integration capability, and firm financial performance : The antagonistic effects of perceived government support and cognitive constraints on digital transformation. Sage Open, 14(2), 21582440241241887. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241241887
Komorowski, Ł. (2024). Digitalisation as a challenge for smart villages: The case of Poland. Agriculture, 14(12), 2270. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14122270
Schrimpf, A., Scheiwe, E., & Bleckwenn, M. (2024). Insights from end-of-career general practitioners on changing working conditions and generational differences: considerations for future strategies. BMC Primary Care, 25(1), 171. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-024-02419-z
Zabulis, X., Partarakis, N., Zidianakis, E., & Kaplanidi, D. (2025). A critical review of the function of intangible cultural heritage as a driver for social resilience and cohesion. Encyclopedia, 5(4), 189. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia5040189
Domaradzka, A. (2019). The un-equal playground: Developers and urban activists struggling for the right to the city. Geoforum, 134, 178-186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2019.01.013
Malek, R., Yang, Q., & Dhelim, S. (2024). Toward sustainable global product development performance: Exploring the criticality of organizational factors and the moderating influence of global innovation culture. Sustainability, 16(10), 3911. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103911
Mazzetto, S. (2024). Integrating emerging technologies with digital twins for heritage building conservation: An Interdisciplinary approach with expert insights and bibliometric analysis. Heritage, 7(11), 6432-6479. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7110300
Ramos Farroñán, E. V. (2026). Digital literacy as a mediator of empowerment among indigenous women cotton artisans: A structural equation modeling study in Morrope, Peru. Societies, 16(2), 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16020045
Shehata, A. O., Ehsan Noroozinejad Farsangi, Seyedali Mirjalili, & Yang, T. Y. (2024). A state-of-the-art review and bibliometric analysis on the smart preservation of heritages. Buildings, 14(12), 3818. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123818
Yan, Z., Lim, C. K., Halim, S. A., Ahmed, M. F., Tan, K. L., & Li, L. (2025). Digital Sustainability of Heritage: Exploring Indicators Affecting the Effectiveness of Digital Dissemination of Intangible Cultural Heritage Through Qualitative Interviews. Sustainability, 17(4), 1593. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041593
Yuan, W., Zhao, J., Huo, M., Feng, Y., & Xu, S. (2025). Information acquisition and green technology adoption among chinese farmers: Mediation by perceived usefulness and moderation by digital skills. Sustainability, 17(21), 9712. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17219712
Zhang, W., Taib, N., & Taib, M. (2025). Reimagining cultural heritage conservation through VR, metaverse, and digital twins: An AI and blockchain-based framework. PLOS One, 20(11), e0335943. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0335943
Zhang, Y., & Song, Y. (2022). The effects of sensory cues on immersive experiences for fostering technology-assisted sustainable behavior: A systematic review. Behavioral Sciences, 12(10), 361. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs12100361
Downloads
Publicado
Como Citar
Edição
Secção
Licença
Direitos de Autor (c) 2026 Herança - Revista de História, Património e Cultura
Este trabalho encontra-se publicado com a Licença Internacional Creative Commons Atribuição 4.0.
