Architecture professor spends 23 years mapping cultural heritage in Tibet

Wang Yiding, an associate professor at Nanjing Industrial University, has spent 23 years conducting field research on architectural heritage in the Ali region of Tibet.

Since his first trip in 2003, Wang has traveled to the plateau dozens of times to collect data on historical structures. He chose this region because it contained significant research gaps regarding systematic building surveys and architectural types. Wang and his team have completed several major projects in the area.

They produced the first aerial survey map of the Duoxiang ruins and conducted the first systematic scientific survey of watchtowers in Lhasa. This research revealed that these towers were not just isolated fortresses but residential buildings integrated into the natural growth of villages. Wang and his students also categorized 126 Buddhist halls in the Ali region to identify patterns in how faith and power shaped physical spaces.

The work involves significant physical hardship, including trekking for hours to reach sites and camping in remote areas to avoid extreme weather and wildlife. Wang has mentored 24 graduate students through these field studies, resulting in various research projects and even a patent for a 3D-printed pen holder based on watchtower survey data.

In September 2026, Wang will serve as the vice president and head of the ancient architecture research office for the newly established Ali History and Culture Research Association.