China uses VR to showcase tourism and culture at the World Travel Market
From the 5th – 7th of November, the China Pavilion at the World Travel Market London used VR technology to showcase tourism and culture.
The China Pavilion at the World Travel Market London is themed “High-Quality Tourism Development in China”. Located just inside the N12 entrance of ExCel London, visitors are met with an imposing red arch in a traditional Chinese style. Beyond, stands from multiple Chinese provinces and companies advertising Chinese tourism.
VR experiences were also offered throughout the three-day event.
The ‘Visionary WanLi’ (Ming Jian WanLi) project, recreates Ming Dynasty China. Digitally showcasing significant artefacts and architectural structures from the Dynasty.
This includes treasures such as the Golden Thread Winged Crown and the Jade Wine Cup. Additionally, the team has digitally reconstructed now-vanished buildings from historical records.
With VR headsets, viewers can enter these historical scenes from a first-person perspective. Interacting with virtual characters like the to explore the mysteries embedded within the Ming imperial tombs in a completely new way.
Putting on the headset, you are transported from a bustling exhibition centre to a Ming dynasty structure. Accompanied by a virtual guide you can walk through the imposing ancient Chinese buildings and also interact with fascinating artifacts.
Associate Professor Chen Hong, Deputy Director of the laboratory and an expert in digital culture, stated “the lab will continue to explore further applications of VR in cultural heritage preservation and cultural tourism services.”
He added, “the deep integration of technology and culture not only revitalizes the way cultural heritage is displayed but also presents the vibrancy of Chinese culture to the world.”
The VR showcase was run by the Cultural and Tourism Ministerial Key Laboratory of Interactive Technology and Experience Systems at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. They chose the theme “Large-Scale Exploratory VR: New Directions for Immersive Cultural and Tourism Services.” They intend to demonstrate how VR can enhance cultural heritage preservation, enrich tourism experiences, and promote international cultural exchange.
The China National Tourist Office London led the event, showcasing the high-quality tourism available in China. This year, they collaborated with cultural and tourism departments from nine Chinese provinces and cities. Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Guangxi, Henan, Xinjiang, and Sanya. They also worked with several top-tier tourism enterprises. Together, they aim to highlight China’s vibrant cultural heritage and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Established in 1980, World Travel Market London connects global travel buyers with leading destinations and brands. It is one of the world’s most influential events in the travel and tourism industry. The 44th edition of WTM London is themed “travel powers the world.” It opened on Tuesday 5th November and will continue until Thursday 7th. It is expected to attract over 40,000 attendees and nearly 4,000 exhibitors from around 180 countries and regions.
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