Museum in Beijing links past to the present with digital displays

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It’s a trip through thousands of years of Chinese history.

That’s what’s on display at Beijing’s Palace Museum.

As CGTN’s Frances Kuo reports, the exhibition provides a link from the past to the present.

Artifacts are a common sight at museums – but how Beijing’s Palace Museum is presenting the past is truly special.

“The viewers should have this immersive feeling when they walk through this section,” Yu Lei, director of the TV show “National Treasure” said. “They will discover the artifacts one by one and learn about their history.”

That immersive feeling is achieved through the more modern wonder of digital technology.

“Our initiative, our primary goal is that we hope more people will walk into museums, love our history and culture,” Yu Lei said.

Nine historical treasures are displayed on giant LED screens outside the museum’s entrance, including a 5,000-year-old vessel and a 3,000-year-old bronze jar.

The nine artifacts were chosen from 27 major museums across China on the TV show “National Treasure.”

“The success of the TV program ‘National Treasure’ has provided a good chance for viewers to have a closer look at these historical artifacts, and also to see what the experts at the museums have done to help preserve these relics,” Shan Jixiang, director of the Palace Museum said.

Aside from the nine relics, the museum is expanding the digital experience to this ancient Chinese painting, allowing visitors to feel like they’re right inside of it.

“One of the most impressive devices is the circular screen. It mainly displays the rainbow-shaped bridge, the most fascinating part of the painting,” said Shan. “The device can accommodate about 50 people to make them feel as if sitting in a boat that cruises along the river to enjoy the scene around the bridge.”