On May 18th, the 45th International Museum Day, Nankai University Museum organized the Across the Millennium to Reproduce History-Museum VR Experience Activity to explore new cultural experiences and forms of communication.

Technology Meets Antiques

It was so stirring. I was able to ascend to the height of the cave, see the Buddha's face at eye level, and even see the veins in the eyes of the Buddha. After participating in the activity, Hu Xinya from the School of History excitedly gave this review of his experience.

The activity uses a variety of virtual reality interactive devices, allowing participants to enjoy an immersive collaborative experience featuring large spaces, multiple people, and free interaction. Participants can go onto the old stage of the Beijing Huguang Guild Hall, which was built in the 12th year of Jiaqing in the Qing Dynasty, and enjoy Peking Opera up close. They can also go to the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City to observe the furnishings inside. They can even enter the Tomb of the Nanyue King of the Western Han Dynasty in Guangzhou, observe the complex structure of the tomb, and pick up the antiques in the tomb for observation with the help of the handle.

Among the different experiences on offer, the most eye-catching is the VR project of porcelain making and identification, which was independently developed by Nankai University. Participants can experience the whole process of porcelain making, distinguish the authenticity of ancient porcelain, and have a personal experience with superb craftsmanship.

VR Reproduction of the History of Nankai

Zheng Jian from the College of Life Sciences, Nankai University put on a pair of VR glasses and walked into the Southwest Associated University which was born in wartime.

Based on the dictation of the alumni and with AI technology, this Southwest Associated University is a full-size 3D high-precision digital model. It has restored the campus at that time, through which we can feel the spirit of continuous self-improvement of the university.

Making the Red Age Come Alive

Multi-person virtual project “Capturing the Luding Bridge” brought the participants back to the wartime.

This VR experience not only provided an opportunity for teachers and students to learn history, but it will continue on from campus and bring the antiques to Haihe Middle School and the Second Nankai School, so as to better encourage the next generation to understand and protect traditional culture.

The person in charge of the event stated that the museum, as a public cultural service organization, should be human-centered and always pay attention to the new needs of society and audiences of different levels. In the era of digital economy, the design and development of museums also need digital innovation. This is the direction of Nankai University Museum's ongoing efforts.

(Reported by Kun Fu, photographed by Junhui Wu, translated by Junlin He, edited by Daniel Stefan and JianjingYun)