On the afternoon of 23 August, a unique technological and cultural exchange event was held at the Mutianyu Great Wall. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union, the “China-Europe Cultural Heritage Science Summer School”—organized by the Institute of High Energy Physics (IHEP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, and partner institutions—began with a tour of the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS) in Huairou Science City before moving to the Great Wall. More than 50 faculty members and students from Université Grenoble Alpes in France, Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, the University of Vigo in Spain, Nottingham Trent University in the UK, and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) were joined by Cheng Yongmao, chief technical adviser to the Huairou District Cultural Relics Management Office and celebrated as “the most beautiful guardian of the Great Wall”. Together they explored the monument, learning first-hand about its history, conservation and the role of cutting-edge technology in cultural relics protection.

Bathed in early-autumn light, the Great Wall looked both majestic and serene. Drawing on decades of field experience, Cheng provided a detailed introduction to the historical value, architectural features, and the significant importance of the preservation efforts for the Great Wall. He also shared insights summarized from his decades of experience in restoring the structure. The on-site explanations engaged the participants in a historical dialogue with the Great Wall, with first-hand experience of the long-standing continuity of Chinese civilization, and a more intuitive and in-depth understanding of China’s cultural heritage conservation work.

In recent years, technology has moved to the heart of heritage work. From excavation and conservation to scholarly interpretation and public outreach, innovation is now the primary driver of high-quality, sustainable preservation.

Nestled at the foot of the Great Wall and by the shore of Yanqi Lake, the Huairou Science City has currently established 37 facilities and platforms, providing up-to-date technological support and solutions for cultural relics protection. At HEPS, synchrotron X-rays can probe the microstructure of cultural relics non-destructively through diffraction, absorption and imaging, informing both study and restoration. The day at Mutianyu not only deepened the group’s understanding of the Great Wall’s cultural value; it also showcased the vast potential of large-scale scientific facilities for cultural relics protection.

A light drizzle marked the close of the event, yet it also opened a new chapter in the marriage of frontier science and cultural-heritage conservation. In the future, Huairou Science City will continue to harness the power of its major science and technology infrastructure, offering fresh ideas and methods to protect and interpret the past—proof that innovation can safeguard memory itself.