Digital innovation has taken center stage in museum experiences on the Chinese mainland, transforming centuries-old relics into interactive storytellers. From high-tech holograms to AR-curated exhibits, history meets modern tech in a captivating blend of art and science.
At the foothills of the Helan Mountains in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, the Xixia imperial mausoleums complex now features smart display cabinets. Inside one vitrined cabinet, an 11th-century Kalavinka statue—a green-glazed Buddhist marvel—comes to life when an interactive button is pressed, summoning a rotating 3D hologram that reveals intricate carvings from every angle. Zhu, a visitor from Hangzhou, expressed his awe: "It's marvelous."
Curator Shi Peiyi explained, "By revolutionizing static displays through digital innovation, we create interactive storytelling that empowers visitors to decode history." This breakthrough is part of a broader cultural digitization agenda launched under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). At the Sanxingdui Ruins in Sichuan Province, AI-assisted restoration has rebuilt Bronze Age fragments into detailed 3D models, demonstrating how technology can breathe new life into ancient treasures.
Further west, the Ya’er Lake Grottoes at the Jiaohe Ruins in Xinjiang have reopened after a 12-month conservation project. With AR-enabled devices, visitors now experience regenerated murals of serene Buddhist deities, blending the old and the new in a journey that feels straight out of a futuristic narrative. 🤩
With museum attendance reaching record numbers—over 60.49 million visitors during the May Day holiday—it's clear that when technology meets tradition, heritage becomes a playground for the curious. Whether you're a history buff, a tech enthusiast, or simply exploring new cultural horizons, these interactive museums on the Chinese mainland offer a fresh, engaging way to connect with the past.
Reference(s):
Digital Innovation Reshapes China's Museums into Interactive Heritage Hubs
gmw.cn
