Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the innovative teaching methods employed by Professor Deng Wentao at Ningxia University to engage students in the study of the Western Xia script and culture through technology and interactive learning experiences [2][5][8]. Group 1: Teaching Methods - Professor Deng utilizes 3D animations and virtual reality to present historical sites and artifacts, making the study of Western Xia culture more engaging for students [2][5]. - The introduction of simulation software for printing Western Xia texts allows students to understand the intricacies of the script and its historical context [5][6]. - A public course titled "Interpreting Western Xia" has been established, attracting students from various disciplines and enhancing their understanding of Chinese cultural integration [7][8]. Group 2: Research and Resources - The Western Xia Studies Research Institute has developed a comprehensive database containing approximately 6,000 images and 350,000 words of Western Xia literature, facilitating research and education [4]. - The institute has also compiled a bilingual dictionary of Western Xia and Chinese texts, significantly aiding in the understanding of the Western Xia script [4]. - Professor Deng's research includes field trips to archaeological sites to collect and digitize Western Xia inscriptions, enriching the academic resources available to students [3][4]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - The Western Xia culture is shown to have a strong connection to the central Chinese culture, with historical texts indicating the Western Xia people's identification with the descendants of the Yellow Emperor [7]. - The course content emphasizes the Western Xia's adaptation of Chinese bureaucratic systems and cultural practices, illustrating the cultural exchange between the Western Xia and the Central Plains [7]. - The teaching approach aims to foster a sense of cultural pride and unity among students by highlighting the Western Xia's contributions to Chinese civilization [8].

Core Points - The core viewpoint of the article is the successful inclusion of the Western Xia Tombs in the UNESCO World Heritage List, bringing China's total number of World Heritage sites to 60 [1][28]. Group 1: Heritage Significance - The Western Xia Tombs consist of 4 major constructed elements, including 9 imperial tombs, 271 accompanying graves, and 32 flood control relics, along with a large architectural site related to sacrificial activities [4]. - The site covers an area of 38.99 square kilometers, making it the largest, highest-grade, and best-preserved relic of Western Xia culture [4][9]. - The Western Xia Tombs provide irreplaceable evidence of the Western Xia dynasty, which lasted nearly 200 years, and its role as a hub on the Silk Road during the 11th to 13th centuries [4][7]. Group 2: Archaeological Findings - The site has yielded over 7,000 movable cultural relics, which are crucial for understanding the value of the Western Xia Tombs [15]. - Notable artifacts include a gilded bronze bull weighing 188 kilograms, showcasing advanced casting techniques and reflecting the cultural exchange between nomadic and agricultural societies [17]. - The museum also displays a rare gold headdress weighing over 200 grams, decorated with lotus petal and linked bead patterns, indicating strong influences from Central Plains culture [19]. Group 3: Cultural Insights - The Western Xia script, derived from Chinese characters, is complex and difficult to read, with over 5,800 meaningful characters identified, used during the Western Xia dynasty's rule [25][27]. - The artifacts and inscriptions found at the site provide direct evidence of the political, military, and cultural history of the Western Xia dynasty [23].