A light and shadow virtual cinema has recently opened at the National Digital Film Industrial Park in Wuxi City, east China's Jiangsu Province.
The large venue introduces concentrated screenings of virtual reality films, allowing moviegoers to move beyond simply watching movies to actively experiencing them.
The cinema is divided into a seated zone and a walking zone, with viewers able to select films from an electronic menu.
"I watched 'Xuanzang and Kucha'. Unlike a traditional screen, VR makes you feel inside the scene, immersed in all directions," said Wang Lei, a moviegoer.
"We are showing 'Ghost Blows Out the Light: The Jinjue Ancient City'. It feels like we're raiding tombs while making adventures, recreating the film's original atmosphere. It's a move from simply watching films to playing with them," said Wang Xu, a business manager.
VR films typically run 30 to 45 minutes, during which moviegoers can sit and walk through larger spaces, or even team up with friends for stronger interaction.
This model featuring film plus interaction and film plus gaming introduces a new way of experiencing cinema.
The VR cinema is scheduled to open to the public from June 1 to 30.
VR cinema opens in Wuxi
Foreign tourists are soaking up the sunshine and enjoying rich cultural treasures in Kashi, a historic hub in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Located along the ancient 'Silk Road' trading route, Kashi has emerged as a popular summer haven, drawing travelers from across the globe eager to experience unique cultural charm.
Visitors are flocking to the iconic Kashi Old City, where they can wander through winding alleyways, browse bustling traditional bazaars, watch skilled artisans create heritage handcrafts in workshops, and enjoy lively folk dance performances.
For many first-time international travelers, the ancient city delivers a one-of-a-kind summer experience, while the authentic local flavors and delicacies are winning over many visitors.
"This is my first time here in the Old City, and I already love it. And all the fresh fruits, they're just incredibly sweet, and now I can't wait to taste them all for myself," said a Russian tourist.
The Kashi Old City now serves as a key window to showcase the diverse and vibrant character of Xinjiang to the world, and local authorities have continued to upgrade tourism services and tap into the city's rich cultural heritage resources to entice more international travelers.
Cultural charms, authentic flavors make Xinjiang's Kashi summer hotspot for int'l tourists
