Digital twins to revitalize Hunan's folk crafts

A research base dedicated to the digital and intelligent inheritance of Hunan's intangible cultural heritage has been established at Hunan University of Information Technology.

Designated as a key research base for philosophy and social sciences by the Department of Education of Hunan Province, the base aims to support the province's cultural development with technological support and innovative models.

Under the leadership of Su Xiao from the School of Art, the base centers on cross-disciplinary integration to revitalize Hunan's cultural legacy. It is committed to the digital preservation and innovative transformation of local heritage, such as Tujia and Dong brocades.

Students learn brocade craftsmanship under the guidance of Su Xiao. [Photo/Hunan Daily]

Researchers will use cutting-edge technologies such as digital twinning and artificial intelligence to build a digital protection system. The team will extract key artistic elements and craftsmanship techniques from traditional heritage works, facilitating the development of intelligent cultural and creative products and immersive experiences, transforming these treasures from static artifacts into a living heritage.

"This effort is not merely the application of technology; rather, it signifies the injection of new vitality into Hunan's intangible cultural heritage through the use of digital intelligence," Su said.

The base will explore the integration of heritage, technology and industry. It is set to provide digital tools for heritage inheritors and to cooperate with tourism and cultural companies to develop youth-oriented products, helping time-honored Hunan craftsmanship adapt to modern life while achieving creative transformation and innovative development.