A team of students from Hangzhou Normal University in east China's Zhejiang Province used virtual reality (VR) technology to make museum visits online and created immersive cultural experiences for the wider audience.
The "Love Museums" team, under the technical guidance of Associate Professor Xie Shanjuan from the School of Information Science and Technology, created digital exhibitions that enhance the appreciation of historical artifacts and bridge the gap between technology and culture.
"Zhejiang has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with many museums. But daily visitor numbers are very low. It's a pity, as they're great resources," said Xie.
The team conducted field investigations and employed AI and 3D technology to build a digital museum for the She Museum in Eshan Town. This not only recreates existing exhibits but also expands upon them with interactive elements, such as a virtual hanfu fitting room.
"Virtually recreating this requires a deep understanding of the She ethnic customs, to ensure that the information is accurate. This process of creation has given me a deeper understanding of their customs," said He Yijia, a student.
The project provides students with valuable experience in digital technology skills, including photography, coding, and 3D modeling.
"In modern society, how to achieve sustainable development of sciences and the humanities is a big topic. Humanities nurture sciences, which then help to enhance impact of the humanities," she added.
"The (virtual) museums we've accomplished include the granary museum, a village museum. We hope to continue using our technology in dissemination of culture. Our current goal is to gain more knowledge about China and create contemporary glories," said Xie Shanjuan.
College students bring museums to life with VR
More than 100 representatives of the Chinese-Filipino community and descendants of war veterans gathered at Manila's Chinese Cemetery on Tuesday to pay tribute to overseas Chinese who fought against the Japanese occupation during World War II.
The memorial ceremony was also attended by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian and other officials of the embassy.
Among the attendees was 96-year-old Mike Lu, or Lu Shuiya, a veteran of the Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerilla Force, known as Wha-Chi in the Philippines. Every year during the Qingming Festival which falls on April 4 this year, he would visit the cemetery to honor his fallen comrades.
"We will not forget, the people will not forget, the motherland will not forget," said Lu in a speech.
Another veteran, 102-year-old Wang Chenli, also participated in the ceremony.
Alongside Ambassador Huang and other dignitaries, the two elderly fighters laid wreaths and bowed in remembrance at the monument dedicated to the Chinese resistance fighters.
Following Japan's occupation of the Philippines in 1942, overseas Chinese in the country set up resistance groups such as the Philippine-Chinese Anti-Japanese Force and the Philippine-Chinese Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces, and latter is also known as Wha-Chi.
Wha-Chi played an impressive role in the fight against Japanese aggressors in over three years of the occupation.
The unit killed, wounded, and captured more than 2,000 enemy troops, at a cost of 77 casualties among its own ranks. After the war, the Chinese-Filipino community erected multiple memorials to commemorate these wartime heroes.
"Many people do not know that the Chinese minority in the Philippines was very fearless and very consistent in resisting Japanese militarism during World War II. We should not forget the war history in order to preserve and uphold peace," said Wilson Lee Flores, a well-known columnist in the Philippines.
Chinese WWII resistance fighters in Philippines commemorated
