Cool China | Digital revitalization of Zaojing: A glimpse of China's millennia-old architectural 'ceiling'

Ever heard of a "Zaojing"? This stunning sunken decoration from Chinese temples was almost impossible to appreciate up close until now! A team from Tsinghua University utilized high-precision scanning, naked-eye 3D, and photogrammetry to recreate the intricate caisson patterns of iconic Beijing landmarks like Longfu Temple, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. CGTN digital reporter Mi Sutong takes you on a journey to appreciate its charm!

The "Houses of Heaven: Immersive Chinese Caisson Digital Art Exhibition" recently premiered in Beijing, bringing ancient architecture to life. The exhibition features a 360-degree immersive "time-space tunnel" with six LED screens, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of these ancient ceilings up close. Curator Pouya Amani, a Tsinghua PhD student, hopes this digital initiative will help both Chinese and international audiences explore Chinese culture. The team has also created a digital caisson database to support long-term cultural heritage preservation.