In a groundbreaking development, the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, also known as the Sakyamuni Pagoda of the Fogong Temple, located in Yingxian County, North China’s Shanxi Province, unveiled its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered “digital twins” on Friday. This innovative technology allows visitors to immerse themselves in the previously inaccessible views inside the tower using virtual reality (VR) glasses.
The integration of AI into cultural heritage protection represents a significant advancement, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology across various industries. Experts anticipate that the broader application of AI will not only aid researchers in studying Chinese cultural heritage items but also invigorate the burgeoning cultural tourism market.
Visitors queued up at the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda’s exhibition hall to experience the “digital twins,” where they were greeted by a tour guide explaining the immersive journey. As they explored different floors of the tower, they encountered virtual representations and interactive dialogues, providing insights into its history and architecture.
Constructed in 1056 during the Liao Dynasty (907-1125), the Wooden Pagoda boasts a nearly 1,000-year history and stands as the world’s oldest and tallest wooden structure, towering approximately 66 meters high, equivalent to a modern 23-story building. Due to its historical significance and structural vulnerability, access to upper floors has been restricted since 2010 for preservation purposes.
The digital replicas offer visitors a unique perspective, revealing intricate details of the pagoda’s internal structure. For instance, upon reaching the fifth floor, tourists witness a transparent view of the tower, showcasing its complex wooden framework.
Liu Chang, director of the Institute of Architectural History and Cultural Relics Protection at Tsinghua University’s School of Architecture, hailed the digitalization project as a significant breakthrough in historical preservation, facilitated by advancements in AI technology.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Yingxian local government, Tsinghua University, and Lenovo, involves a multi-step process. Data collection utilizing drones and cameras is followed by AI-driven analysis, deep learning, and neural network training to generate a three-dimensional digital twin. Integration with extended reality (XR) technology enables seamless interaction between the virtual and physical realms.
Mao Shijie, vice president of Lenovo and head of Lenovo Research Shanghai, highlighted the efficiency of AI algorithms in processing data and constructing 3D models, significantly reducing time and resource requirements compared to traditional methods.
The introduction of “digital twins” coincides with the upcoming May Day holidays, with local officials anticipating increased tourist interest driven by tech-savvy visitors. Shanxi Province has emerged as a popular travel destination, with tourist numbers during recent holidays surpassing previous records, reflecting the region’s appeal to travelers seeking cultural and historical experiences.