China showcases timeless Tang architecture at Osaka Expo 2025

The Japanese edition of CGTN's latest multimedia immersive and interactive virtual exhibition, "Tang Architecture: Building Timeless Glory," was showcased on Saturday at the China Pavilion at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

Renowned as the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architectural technology and artistic development, the Tang Dynasty architecture has had a profound impact on both Chinese and global architectural history.

The virtual exhibition, with a focus on the refined elegance of wooden structures of China's Tang Dynasty (618-907), presents the aesthetics behind the buildings in a digital interactive form, offering global audiences a fresh way to explore traditional Chinese art and culture.

Utilizing AI animation, 3D modeling and immersive interactive experiences, the exhibition reconstructs iconic Tang structures, including the East Hall of Foguang Temple, one of China's most important treasures, the imperial palace complex Daming Palace that representing the prosperous dynasty, and the urban planning of Chang'an City, once the world's largest metropolis.

On-site, visitors can explore a meticulously restored physical model of the East Hall of Foguang Temple, enhanced with VR and AR technologies to reveal its intricate interior details.

Representatives from various fields, including Chinese and Japanese culture and architecture, attended the event and held in-depth discussions on topics such as Sino-Japanese cultural cooperation and exchange.

They noted that the exhibition not only opens a new window for international audiences to understand Chinese aesthetics but also bridges past and present, offering fresh perspectives and approaches for mutual learning between civilizations.

Wu Shengrong, director of the China Pavilion, said CGTN's projects "Tang Architecture: Building Timeless Glory" and "The Song, Painted" have introduced the essence of Chinese Tang and Song culture to the world, innovating both dissemination and cultural dialogue.

"Today, in the Kansai region of Japan, there are also many temple buildings that are deeply influenced by the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty," Wu added. "This fully demonstrates that aesthetics transcend national boundaries."

Fang Wei, Chinese deputy consul general in Osaka, said the exhibition reflects the unique value of Chinese culture, shows the openness of Chinese civilization and presents thousands of years of cultural blending between China and Japan.

"Today's visual display, which finely simulates seasonal and light changes, is amazing. The video also impresses me by telling stories from a personal perspective rather than just architectural or urban angles," said Yuko Hasegawa, visiting professor at Kyoto University.

"In Tang Dynasty culture, the Japanese paid special attention to buildings such as pagodas, as these were one of the sources of Japanese culture. During its formation, Japanese culture was deeply influenced by information brought back by diplomats to the Tang Dynasty," said Naito Sakae, curator of the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts. 

The immersive experience also won high praise from the visitors who left messages in written messages. 

"Japan and China, both Asian nations, can greatly benefit from joint cultural promotion. The Chinese characters in Japanese language today are a testament to the two countries' long-standing cultural exchanges from ancient times. It is hoped that Japan and China will each bring their own strengths to elevate bilateral relations," a visitor wrote in the guestbook.

"I'm really happy today and would love to visit China. The videos here are super interesting, and I've had a great time at the China Pavilion," another visitor wrote.