Digital technology brings new vitality to traditional culture
The second episode of the documentary series, "China's Culture Journey," covers cultural landmarks in China.
Dragon TV and streaming services like iQiyi and Tencent will broadcast "Blazing New Trails," the second installment of the four-episode weekly English documentary series "China's Culture Journey," at 10pm tonight.
Following in the footsteps of foreign expats Daniel Newham and Cleo Luden, viewers will travel to Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, to take in the cultural heritage, Buddha statues and frescoes from the Yungang Grottoes, artifacts from the Sanxingdui archaeological site, and breathtaking murals from Dunhuang.
The makers used cutting-edge digital technology to highlight aspects of Chinese culture.
For instance, Dunhuang Academy's "Digital Dunhuang" project employs specialized equipment to digitally gather data about the ancient sculptures and murals. Then, using virtual reality technology, visitors can experience the charm of the Mogao Grottoes.
French blogger Cleo Luden at Dunhuang Academy's digital collection site.
British Daniel Newham, who has lived in China for 25 years, admires the Sanxingdui bronze mask.
Technology was used at the Sanxingdui archaeological site to assist in the restoration of bronze artifacts, shedding light on the ancient Shu civilization.
Experts also created data archives for the Yungang Grottoes using high-precision 3D laser scanning technology. They used 3D printing technology to create proportionate replicas of the caves.
Produced by Ao Xue Studio of Shanghai Media Group, the documentary series examines how technological advancements have expanded the opportunities to understand and protect Chinese culture.
Buddha statues at the Yungang Grottoes.
Qufu, Shandong Province, is the hometown of Confucius.
