This survey is designed for English‑speaking audiences, including international tourists, scholars of Xixia studies, Silk Road heritage enthusiasts, and the general overseas public. It aims to understand your level of awareness of the Xixia Imperial Tombs, your sources of information, your engagement with multimodal content, and your preferences regarding cultural interpretation and dissemination. The questionnaire takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete, and all data collected will be used solely for academic research.
Section A: Screening Questions Yes, I have visited the site Yes, I have heard of it but never visited No, I have never heard of it
A2. How did you first learn about the Xixia Imperial Tombs? UNESCO World Heritage List / official UNESCO materials Social media (YouTube, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, etc.) News media (online or print) Academic publications / research papers Travel websites / tourism platforms (Trip.com, etc.) Documentaries or films Friends / family / word of mouth Other
A3. When did you first learn about the Xixia Imperial Tombs? Before July 11, 2025 (prior to UNESCO inscription) On or after July 11, 2025 (from the time of UNESCO inscription onwards)
Section B: Information Exposure and Multimodal Content Consumption Official website / UNESCO documentation Photos / image galleries Short-form videos (under 5 minutes) Long-form documentaries VR/AR/XR/3D/4D immersive experiences Academic articles or research papers Social media posts Travel blogs or vlogs Podcasts or audio guides Museum exhibitions (physical or virtual) None of the above
B2. How easy or difficult is it for you to find useful, reliable English-language information about the Xixia Imperial Tombs? Very difficult Difficult Neither easy nor difficult Easy Very easy
B3. How would you rate the overall quality of the English-language content you have encountered about the Xixia Imperial Tombs? Very poor Poor Fair Good Excellent
B4. Which platforms do you most frequently use to learn about world heritage sites? Please rank your top 3. Write 1, 2, or 3 next to your chosen platforms. UNESCO official website YouTube Instagram Twitter/X Facebook TikTok Wikipedia Academic databases (Web of Science, Google Scholar, etc.) Travel platforms (TripAdvisor, Booking, Trip.com) Podcast platforms Documentaries / films (Netflix, BBC, etc.) Other (please specify)
Section C: Understanding and Interpretation of Cultural Symbols Tangut script Rammed earth architecture The Oriental Pyramids metaphor The Helan Mountains landscape Buddhist influences in tomb architecture The multi-ethnic legacy of the Western Xia Dynasty None of the above
C2. For each element you selected in C1, how well do you feel you understand its cultural significance?
Rammed earth architecture
The Oriental Pyramids metaphor
Helan Mountains landscape
C3. Have you ever encountered confusion or difficulty in understanding English descriptions of Xixia-related cultural concepts? (e.g., Tangut script, historical context, architectural terms) Yes, frequently Yes, occasionally Rarely Never N/A (have not encountered such content) If yes, please briefly describe what was confusing
Section D: Multimodal Narrative Preferences Text-based articles / guides High-quality photographs Short videos (under 5 minutes) Long-form documentaries Interactive maps / 3D reconstructions VR/AR immersive experiences Audio guides / podcasts Social media stories / reels Academic papers On-site guided tours Other (please specify)
D2. Which of the following narrative approaches do you find most appealing for presenting the history of the Xixia Imperial Tombs? Historical chronology and factual presentation Personal stories / human-interest narratives Mystery and exploration-themed narratives Comparative narratives (e.g., with other world heritage tombs) Visual / immersive storytelling (minimal text, rich visuals) Expert / academic perspectives Local community voices and living traditions Other
D3. How important are the following factors in making heritage content accessible and engaging for international audiences?
High-quality visuals (photos / videos)
Cultural context / background explanation
Connection to broader historical narratives
Authenticity and accuracy
Emotional / evocative storytelling
Section E: Communication Effectiveness and Engagement
Visiting the site in person
Learning more about Tangut history and culture
Reading academic research on the site
Sharing content about the site on social media
Exploring other world heritage sites in China
E2. What do you think is the most compelling reason for international audiences to be interested in the Xixia Imperial Tombs? Its status as a newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site The mystery of the "lost" Tangut civilization Its unique rammed earth architecture The Oriental Pyramids comparison Its role in understanding China's multi-ethnic history The scenic beauty of the Helan Mountains setting Other
E3. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the international communication of the Xixia Imperial Tombs? Limited English-language content Content that is too academic / hard to understand Lack of engaging visual or interactive content Low visibility on major international platforms Cultural concepts that are difficult to translate Limited tourism infrastructure for international visitors Other
E4. What would most encourage you to engage more with content about the Xixia Imperial Tombs?
Section F: Demographics Under 18 18–24 25–34 35–44 45–54 55 or above
F2. What is your nationality or region of residence?
F3. What is your highest level of education? High school or below Associate degree Bachelor's degree Master's degree PhD or higher
F4. How would you describe your familiarity with Chinese history and culture? Very familiar Somewhat familiar Not very familiar Not at all familiar
F5. Have you ever visited China? Yes, multiple times Yes, once No, but I plan to No, and I have no plans
F6. (Optional) If you are willing to participate in a follow-up interview, please leave your contact email
