Jining's Qufu, a city with deep cultural roots in Shandong province, is leading the way in the cultural and tourism industry through a dual-driven strategy of technology and culture.

The city has successfully integrated cutting-edge technologies like drone light shows, AI tour guides, and XR interactions to bring its millennia-old culture to life in innovative ways.

Visitors experience the story of Nyuwa mending the sky with XR equipment at Nishan Sacred Land in Qufu, Jining. [Photo/WeChat account: jnrbwx]

Nishan Sacred Land features drone-created visuals of Confucius and an XR-based interactive theater, which make visitors feel like they're watching Confucius as he tours various states and experiencing Chinese myths. Additionally, a seamless electronic certificate system allows visitors to book tickets, enter via facial recognition, and access smart tour guidance with a simple scan.

The three Confucian sites have been revitalized with a 3D mapping light show on the ancient city walls. Visitors can receive personalized digital tickets and enjoy AI-powered tour guides that offer detailed insights.

Meanwhile, the ancient streets of the Liaohe River have been reimagined with Song Dynasty (960 – 1279) aesthetics and 3D mapping technology. Visitors can take boat tours and experience immersive night-time shows that transport them back in time.

The 3D mapping show presented amid the ancient streets of the Liaohe River in Qufu, Jining. [Photo/WeChat account: jnrbwx]