Virtual reality restoration of the Forbidden City transcends time and space

by xjyzhenai on 2008-10-16 09:17:41

"Beyond Time and Space: The Forbidden City" Project Introduction: IBM will use globally leading IT technology to collaborate with the Forbidden City in creating a completely new interactive audience experience system, providing visitors both on-site and online with a unique experience that transcends time and space, in real-time, online, and interactive. The goal of this collaboration is to present the essence of Chinese culture to the world through seamless technology, captivating content, and creative interaction methods.

"The Beyond Time and Space: The Forbidden City Project" is a fully immersive, spatial, visitor-operable virtual world that corresponds architecturally and historically with the actual physical space of the Forbidden City...

Virtual Forbidden City

"The Virtual Forbidden City" is a 3D virtual world where visitors from all over the globe can experience the "Forbidden City" located in Beijing. You can explore the grand palaces of China's last dynasty - the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).

The construction of the Forbidden City was based on the concept that "the emperor is the center of the universe," reflecting the emperor's authority. This vast palace complex was completed in 1420, covering an area of more than 72 hectares (178 acres). It includes tens of thousands of exquisite buildings, housing numerous historical artifacts. Now, through virtual world technology, you can still feel the awe-inspiring grandeur of this massive space. In addition to experiencing this unique marvel, "The Virtual Forbidden City" allows you to meet other users and a large number of useful automated characters for interaction. While exploring "The Virtual Forbidden City," you can choose to simply observe or actively participate in activities to gain a deeper understanding of the significant cultural aspects of the Qing Dynasty.

While offering an engaging immersive experience, "The Virtual Forbidden City" also provides unparalleled tools for planning your visit to the Palace Museum in Beijing (i.e., the Forbidden City). If you have the opportunity to visit the Palace Museum, by experiencing "The Virtual Forbidden City," you'll be better equipped to navigate routes and understand the significance of the palaces and other sights you encounter.

China's history and culture are extensive and profound, and "The Virtual Forbidden City" can only showcase some of the countless fascinating stories it has to tell. Exploring here will inspire you to learn more about what you encounter and encourage you to return to "The Virtual Forbidden City" to discover things yet unseen.

Exploration

"The Virtual Forbidden City" offers multiple tools to aid in your exploration, but of course, your personal curiosity will always play the most important role. Don't hesitate; start your journey in "The Virtual Forbidden City" now, find interesting spots, and click your mouse to see if there’s more information available.

During your visit, you will appear as an avatar in "The Virtual Forbidden City." Your avatar can be one of several characters dressed in Qing Dynasty attire. Registered users can select any available avatar, and their choices will be saved for future visits.

[If you're using an RSS Reader and cannot view the video above, please click here to watch.]

Here

Click to enter: Virtual Forbidden City Download Page

Click to enter: Beyond Time and Space: The Forbidden City

Technorati Tags: Freshness, IBM, Forbidden City, Virtual, 3D