Source: CCTV.com

10-12-2008 15:14

A three dimensional Forbidden City is now open in a virtual world. People can get a glimpse of the imperial palace and experience the lives of ancient emperors without having to be there. And the interactive platform allows online tourists to take on an ancient identity.

A three dimensional Forbidden City is now open in a virtual world.

Ancient Chinese culture is brought to a modern world.

The 3-D re-creation offers an immersive, interactive, and populated space that corresponds architecturally and historically to the vast grounds of the current Palace Museum. And this participatory environment stresses the importance of a space alive with the people.

John Tolva, Project Manager of IBM, said, "As opposed to modelling the buildings, we built it so that you can...it's about the people who lived here and what they did."

Wang Mangmang, said, "In this virtual world, visitors have nine characters to choose from. For example, I am now an imperial guard, standing in front of the Hall of Promoting Virtue, where the emperor dines. Forward. In this scenario I will be able to see how each dish is served and how the emperor enjoys the imperial taste of his food. I can enter without being stopped. If there are other visitors around, I can interact with them, but as always, I do not have the privilege to talk to the emperor."