By student of Sichuan Agricultural University
On August 3, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in China unveiled the first batch of national smart tourism immersive experience pilot sites, encompassing destinations like the highly acclaimed "Chang'an Twelve Hours" smart tour, "Night at the Yellow Crane Tower" smart tour, and "Leap over the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival" smart tour. This move provides examples for the burgeoning development of immersive tourism.
Immersive tourism is bringing a fresh perspective to the world of travel. It transports visitors into meticulously designed environments, shutting out distractions and immersing them in a sensory experience crafted from sound, light, visuals, electronics, and performances. It's like stepping into a crafted world, where you're part of the story and not just a bystander.
The flourishing growth of immersive cultural tourism can be attributed to several factors. It's the novelty factor that's capturing everyone's attention. Unlike traditional tourism, where you simply visit places and listen to explanations, immersive tourism blends in technology. It's a fusion of holographic projections, augmented reality, interactive features, and storytelling. This blend makes it a novel and engaging experience for all kinds of people.
The emphasis on interactivity is the standout feature of immersive experiences, transforming spectators into participants. For instance, within the "Chang'an Twelve Hours" district, the glorious Tang Dynasty architectural designs, the enchanting Tang Dynasty dances, the interaction with NPCs like the "Charcoal Seller" and "Li Bai," transport visitors into the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty.
The cultural essence is another driving force behind successful immersive tourism projects. In Henan, visitors can sit in front of a giant IMAX spherical screen and immerse themselves in the world of the iconic "Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival." It's like time-traveling to the streets of the ancient Song Dynasty, experiencing the various societal strata and lifestyles of people during the Song Dynasty, which evokes the latent cultural essence within the Chinese people.
However, there are a few hurdles that immersive tourism faces. Some places get so wrapped up in the effects and technology that they forget the core content. This can lead to repetitive storylines and even historical inaccuracies. Moreover, visitors might find some stories a bit forced, interactions with characters awkward, and waiting times a tad too long. To address these issues, several steps can be taken.
It's essential to focus on creating innovative content. Regardless of the theme, digging deep into cultural and narrative aspects is key. This adds a unique local flavor and differentiates the experience. Also, tapping into trends that resonate with younger crowds, like Han costume or Cosplay, could be a hit.
It is essential to promote the integration of technology and art. The challenge lies not in a scarcity of excellent Chinese cultural materials but in innovative storytelling techniques and modes of dissemination. Virtual reality, holographic stage designs, and other technologies can make cultural depth more tangible.
Furthermore, roping in experts to design experiences and fine-tuning interactive elements can enhance the overall immersion. Segmenting tours based on themes can also make a significant difference in the visitor's experience.
Immersive cultural tourism is more than a trend. It's an evolution in the way we travel. As technology continues to evolve and cultural facets are further unearthed, the realm of immersive tourism promises even more diverse and enchanting encounters for travelers.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
Comment