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
