Step into the Song Dynasty: Ancient Kaifeng Reborn with Tech

Time Travel, But Make It Digital

Imagine strolling through a bustling 12th-century Chinese marketplace—vendors hawking silk, scholars debating poetry, and lanterns illuminating night skies. Now, thanks to cutting-edge tech, you can actually experience this in Kaifeng, once the capital of China’s Song Dynasty.

AR, 3D Mapping & The Ghosts of Dynasties Past

Following CGTN’s Daniel Arapmoi and editor Yang Zhou, we dive into how Kaifeng blends ancient heritage with augmented reality (AR) and 3D mapping. Interactive installations along the city’s historic sites now overlay scenes from its golden age—picture "Game of Thrones"-style world-building, but rooted in real history.

“It’s like the city itself is an open-air museum,” Yang shared. “Tech bridges the gap between textbooks and lived experience—suddenly, dynasties aren’t dates, they’re stories.”

Why This Matters to Gen Z Globetrotters

For travelers and culture buffs, Kaifeng’s revival is a masterclass in preserving history while making it TikTok-ready. The project also hints at a broader trend: cities across Asia are embracing tech to reanimate their pasts. Think less dusty artifacts, more immersive Instagram moments.

Pro tip: Visit at dusk. That’s when AR projections of Song-era lantern festivals light up the streets—pure magic .

Reference(s):

Live: Witness the grandeur of the Song Dynasty through new technology

cgtn.com