In a moment, I put on a VR headset and found myself standing before the grand architecture of the Forbidden City. Suddenly, I was riding a horse, following Emperor Zhu Xi of the Ming Dynasty as he journeyed through the imperial grounds. I watched as he carefully sketched the blueprint of this magnificent palace. As I listened to the voice in my ear, I was immersed in stories told from the perspectives of astronomy, rituals, and the five elements—bringing history to life in an entirely new way.
This isn't just a historical tour; it's part of a newly launched VR immersive experience project at the Forbidden City, led by Zhu Xi. Using cutting-edge VR technology, visitors are transported beyond time and space, stepping into the shoes of ancient people, walking, touching, and experiencing vivid historical scenes. Experts from the Palace Museum hope that this high-tech approach will deepen public understanding of the cultural heritage of the Forbidden City, allowing people to truly feel its historical charm.
Although the VR experience lasts only six or seven minutes, it reflects the tremendous effort of the National Palace Museum’s technical team. In the early stages, experts guided the design, and then the team used advanced techniques like modeling and rendering to create realistic virtual environments. The final product was carefully reviewed by a committee of museum experts to ensure accuracy in storytelling, cultural etiquette, and even the details of historical artifacts. Their goal is to balance educational value with entertainment.
According to experts, many foreign museums are still in the early stages of using VR technology. However, the Palace Museum’s VR project stands out for its realism and cultural significance, offering a fresh and innovative way to engage audiences. In the field of culture and entertainment, VR is often linked to gaming, but the concept of “VR + culture†remains rare. What makes the Palace Museum’s project unique is the use of a 360-degree VR headset that prevents disconnection during the experience. Visitors also enjoy additional features such as 3D motion seats and lighting systems that enhance the sensory experience—engaging sight, sound, and movement simultaneously.
Considering the large number of international visitors, the project plans to release an English version in the future. Beyond VR, the Palace Museum is also developing AR (Augmented Reality) applications to further enrich cultural experiences. With AR, visitors can scan plaques or pictures to see historical images and 3D projections of artifacts. For example, scanning a red envelope QR code might bring up animated figures of emperors and princes, adding a fun and interactive touch to traditional celebrations.
As technology continues to evolve, the Forbidden City is embracing modern innovations like VR and AR to bridge the gap between ancient culture and contemporary society. By integrating these technologies, the museum is creating a new path for cultural communication, making history come alive for a new generation. The Forbidden City holds vast historical resources, and with the growing role of technology, more cultural treasures will shine brighter than ever before.
This article was originally published in the People's Daily on November 18, 2017, in the 18th edition. To stay updated on the latest developments in VR and AR, follow the official WeChat account "VR Platform."
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