Digital Treasures: Exhibition at Palace Museum takes physical artifacts into digital realm

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A trip through thousands of years of Chinese history, that's what's on display at Beijing's Palace Museum. The exhibition provides a link from the past to the present -- in a unique way. CGTN's Frances Kuo gives us a look.

Artifacts are a common sight at museums. But how Beijing's Palace Museum is presenting the past is truly special.

YU LEI DIRECTOR, "NATIONAL TREASURE" "The viewers should have this immersive feeling when they walk through this section. They will discover the artifacts one by one and learn about their history."

That immersive feeling achieved through a unique experience. National Chinese treasures are featured not in the physical-- but the digital.

YU LEI DIRECTOR, "NATIONAL TREASURE" "Our initiative, our primary goal is that we hope more people will walk into museums, love our history and culture."

Nine historical treasures are displayed on giant LED screens outside the museum's entrance. They include a five-thousand-year-old vessel and a three-thousand-year-old bronze jar. The nine artifacts were chosen from 27 major museums across China -- on the TV show "National Treasure".

SHAN JIXIANG DIRECTOR, THE PALACE MUSEUM "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."

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.

SHAN JIXIANG DIRECTOR, THE PALACE MUSEUM "One of the most impressive devices is the circular screen. It mainly displays the rainbow-shaped bridge, the most fascinating part of the painting. 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."

A chance for us in the modern world to experience history -- in a whole new way. Frances Kuo, CGTN.