China showcases technology-driven approach to preserve cultural heritage

China Cultural Centre in Nigeria on Wednesday showcased a technology-driven approach to cultural heritage preservation, combining virtual reality (VR) technology with traditional art to promote cultural education and exchange in Nigeria.

The approach was demonstrated during the opening of “Fan, Charm and Ink Fragrance: The Cultural Resonance of Traditional Calligraphy and Tang Dynasty Virtual Reality.”

The exhibition blends traditional Chinese calligraphy, painting and seal carving with immersive VR experiences.

Mr Yang Jianxing, Chinese Embassy Cultural Counsellor and Director, China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, said the project integrates traditional cultural exhibitions with cutting-edge technology to showcase the richness of Chinese civilisation.

“The project uses the core concept of combining the virtual and the real to integrate traditional art exhibitions with cutting-edge VR technology experiences, showcasing the profound heritage and contemporary vitality of Chinese culture,” Yang said.

According to him, the exhibition features works by outstanding young artists from leading Chinese institutions, including the China Academy of Art, the Central Academy of Fine Arts and the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts.

He explained that the VR component allows people to travel back in time to experience the renowned Pavilion of Prince Teng and interact with Chinese poetry and calligraphy in an immersive environment.

“Participants can simulate writing calligraphy of the Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng and participate in poetry creation through interactive functions, deeply experiencing the charm of traditional culture and achieving cross-temporal dialogue with history,” he said.

Yang said the initiative demonstrates how technology could be harnessed to preserve cultural heritage while making it more accessible to younger generations and international audiences.

“This blend of ancient and modern, virtual and real will bring our Nigerian friends a brand new experience of Chinese culture.

“It will also promote exchange and understanding between different cultures, and inject new vitality into understanding and strengthening cultural exchange,” he said.

Yang noted that the exhibition coincided with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Also speaking, Mr Mukhtar Muhammad, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, said cultural dialogue between Nigeria and China could contribute to advances in science, technology and innovation.

“Nigeria has the largest population in Africa and therefore a dialogue with Chinese civilisation is really something that will help us to advance further in terms of technology, innovation and science,” he said.

Muhammad added that both countries had established several bilateral agreements and should continue to deepen collaboration for mutual development.

The Director-General, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Ndace, said the exhibition demonstrated how technology could be deployed to preserve cultural identity while embracing modernisation.

“Today’s event, which beautifully combined traditional calligraphy with innovative virtual reality experience, demonstrates how culture and technology can work together to foster greater understanding among civilisation,” he said.

Ndace noted that China had successfully used technology to reinforce its cultural heritage and project it to global audiences.

“China is using technology to reinforce who they are. They are embracing technology also to reinforce who they are, bringing themselves into the global space,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exhibition will run until July 10, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Chinese culture through interactive digital experiences and traditional artworks.(NAN)(nannews.ng)
Edited by Mark Longyen