Integration of digital sustainability into Buzi cultural heritage of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912) in China

Abstract

Buzi, an essential component of ancient civil and military Chinese uniform culture during the Ming and Qing dynasties, carries significant historical, artistic, and cultural value. It served as an identity marker and a symbol of hierarchy, embodying sociopolitical and aesthetic meanings. However, the preservation and inheritance of Buzi heritage face several challenges, including limited public understanding of its digital sustainability, a lack of systematic comparative analysis of its evolution, and insufficient preservation and dissemination strategies. The aim of this study is to explore sustainable approaches for preserving and transmitting Buzi heritage in the digital era. The objective of this study is threefold: (1) to identify public perceptions and attitudes toward the digital sustainability of Buzi, (2) to analyze the historical evolution of Buzi patterns, and (3) to develop effective digital preservation and dissemination strategies. A qualitative research methodology was adopted, comprising semi-structured interviews, comparative analysis, and digital conservation methods. In the first phase, interviews with 20 respondents selected through purposive sampling revealed that while public awareness of Buzi is limited, there is strong support for digital preservation, if authenticity is maintained. In the second phase, a comparative analysis of 30 Buzi patterns from historical records and authenticated museum collections was conducted using visual observation and digital tools. The findings highlight a transformation from hierarchical symbolism in the Ming and Qing dynasties to contemporary fashion-oriented designs. The third phase involved the development of a web-based digital platform, integrating multimedia content, databases, and social media to enhance public engagement and accessibility. This study proposes three key strategies for ensuring the sustainable preservation of Buzi heritage: (1) public engagement, using social media, online exhibitions, and educational content to raise awareness; (2) modernization and adaptation, integrating Buzi motifs into contemporary cultural products; and (3) digital archiving, leveraging web-based platforms to store and disseminate historical records. The results demonstrate that digitalization provides a viable path for safeguarding Buzi, balancing cultural authenticity and technological innovation. This research contributes to the broader discourse on digital heritage preservation and offers a digital sustainable model for preserving Buzi in the modern era.