China's first extended reality (XR) experience center for Emperor Qinshihuang's mausoleum has opened in Xi'an, capital city of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, offering visitors an unforgettable journey into the heart of ancient China.
Housed within the prestigious Chang'an Academy, the center offers a revolutionary virtual reality experience. Visitors can explore a meticulously recreated landscape of Emperor Qinshihuang's mausoleum, brought to life using the latest archaeological findings and cutting-edge technology.
Putting on wearable devices and stepping into state-of-the-art VR, visitors can gallop on war horses, drive chariots, and encounter lifelike terracotta warriors along the ancient Qinzhidao, or "Straight Road" of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC).
The underground palace passages and treacherous traps add an element of suspense, prompting visitors to embody palace guards and engage in a thrilling chase within the mysterious confines of the mausoleum.
"Our 'Guarding the Emperor Qinshihuang's mausoleum' project faithfully restores our historical culture using high-tech methods, allowing everyone to experience the cultural charm of Xi'an firsthand," said Geng Qiannan, a staff member at the Chang'an Academy XR Immersive Experience Center.
In addition to the thrilling "time travel" adventure, the experience center will soon unveil another groundbreaking VR project – the nation's first immersive VR experience on the Red Army's Long March, titled "The Long March: Crossing the Chishui River Four Times."
Set to launch in April, this groundbreaking project will feature non-player character (NPC) role-playing, allowing visitors to personally witness the arduous crossing of the treacherous Chishui River, gaining a profound understanding of that pivotal moment in history.
In January 1935, the Red Army engaged the Kuomintang's force in a heavy battle at Chishui. It crossed the Chishui River four times in the fight, one of the most decisive and victorious military moves during the Long March.
Alongside these cutting-edge digital experiences, the Chang'an Academy has also carefully crafted the "Book Fragrance Workshop," providing a cultural experience and learning platform for young people to delve into the essence of traditional Chinese culture through interactive activities. This includes exploring block printing and movable-type printing techniques, as well as the creation of traditional woodblock New Year's paintings.
Xi'an opens XR center for immersive journey into Qin era
Discussions between Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir and the Iranian leadership during Munir's official visit to Iran over the past 24 hours have resulted in encouraging progress towards a final understanding, the Pakistani military said in a statement on Saturday.
Munir has concluded a short but "highly productive" visit to Iran, during which he held high-level meetings with Iranian leadership, the military's media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
The meetings were part of ongoing mediation efforts aimed at promoting de-escalation and constructive engagement amid regional tensions, the statement added.
Munir met the Iranian president, parliament speaker, foreign minister and interior minister during the visit, the statement added.
The discussions focused on expediting the consultative process aimed at supporting regional peace and stability and reaching a conclusive agreement, the military statement said.
The Iranian leadership appreciated Pakistan's role in facilitating dialogue and promoting a peaceful settlement of regional issues, according to the ISPR.
Iranian media reported Saturday that Munir held separate meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to a presidency statement, Pezeshkian said that his country seeks to safeguard national interests and remains highly cautious in negotiations with the United States.
Pezeshkian cited Washington's repeated breach of commitments, attacks on Iran amid talks, and targeted killings of its officials as the basis for widespread public mistrust.
Under such circumstances, Iran has pursued negotiations relying on its "brotherly relations" with friendly countries, including Pakistan, "but our main goal is to solely safeguard the Iranian nation's interests through appropriate solutions," Pezeshkian said. War has never been in anyone's interest and will only bring losses to the region and the world, he added.
According to Iran's state television, Ghalibaf and Munir discussed the latest developments in ongoing negotiations during their meeting on Saturday.
The parliamentary speaker emphasized that Iran would not compromise on matters concerning national sovereignty and the rights of its people. He added that Iran's armed forces have undergone reorganization and restructuring during the ceasefire period, warning that any U.S. attempt to reignite conflict would face even heavier consequences.
Araghchi and Munir held two rounds of talks, focusing on measures to prevent further deterioration of regional security. Following their second meeting, Munir departed Tehran, concluding his diplomatic visit.
Pakistani army chief's meetings with Iran make encouraging progress to promote de-escalation
