In a recent unveiling, the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism highlighted how digital advancements are ushering in a new era for China’s rich cultural and tourism sector. A slew of projects, combining tradition and innovation, stand testament to the transformative power of technology.
A standout initiative brings to life the euphemistic lyricism of Yue Opera, particularly in the classic performance of Lin Daiyu Buries the Fallen Flowers from the renowned 18th-century novel, Dream of the Red Chamber. This initiative masterfully integrates virtual reality (VR) technology and augmented reality (AR) glasses, offering audiences a novel experience. The result is a breathtaking synthesis of virtual Yue Opera performances seamlessly blended with tangible stage settings, revolutionizing traditional theater-going experiences.
In a similar vein, the Red Chamber Fantasy digital exhibition, inspired by the same novel, harnesses immersive lighting and VR technologies to present an enchanting experience. Visitors are treated to seven thematic digital spaces that explore the intricate love tales, relationships between characters, and the profound folk culture rooted in the novel.
Another remarkable initiative is the Luoyang virtual reality theater, which promises an unmatched dramatic experience. By interlacing live theater with VR interactivity, the theater offers reconstructed scenes and role-playing options, intensifying the immersion factor for the audience. The use of advanced technologies, such as motion capture, VR redirection, and features like audio vibrating floors, blurs the line between the real and the virtual. It’s akin to stepping into a time machine and witnessing the grandeur of the divine capital Luoyang as it was over a millennium ago.
On the preservation front, digital technology is championing the cause of safeguarding China’s invaluable traditional cultural works. A case in point is the National Library of China’s initiative to use 3D restoration technology. This initiative has facilitated the creation of a detailed database for the Yongle Dadian, an invaluable repository commissioned in the early 15th century. This digital database offers a VR-enhanced exploration of the 40 volumes and 75 chapters of the Yongle Dadian, making hundreds of classic Chinese cultural works accessible in the digital realm. Furthermore, to promote the vast cultural heritage, VR exhibitions, particularly those centered on classic literature, are available online.
The Suzhou Silk Museum’s venture is another testament to digital preservation. It has meticulously digitized over 1,300 traditional silk designs. This digitization not only preserves these intricate designs but also paves the path for creating diverse products, from animations to cultural artifacts.
All these endeavors resonate with the overarching goal emphasized by a spokesperson from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism: using digital technology to promote China’s unparalleled traditional culture with a touch of modern innovation. This vision is further realized with platforms like Douyin, China’s local counterpart of TikTok. Douyin’s creation of a virtual stage offers a fresh “dual performance” model that combines the essence of both online and offline performances, proving instrumental in digitally transforming and elevating the world of cultural and performing arts.
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