Immersive night tour debuts at Yueyang Tower

Poster for the immersive show on Yueyang Tower Again. [Photo/China Daily]

OnYueyang Tower Again, an immersive night tour project inspired by Fan Zhongyan (989-1052), a renowned statesman and literatus, literary work An Essay on Yueyang Tower, made its debut at the Yueyang Tower scenic area on the evening of May 25, 2025.

Using cutting-edge digital technology, the project has transformed the 1,800-year-old landmark into a fully immersive experience zone. This allows visitors to step back into the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and engage in a cross-temporal dialogue with ancient scholars as they explore the scenic site.

Departing from traditional stage performances, the project adopts an innovative narrative structure featuring seven themed zones throughout the attraction. It begins at the South Gate Reader's Theater, where visitors can take on the role of a young attendant to Fan Zhongyan, or a friend of Teng Zijing, the governor who restored the tower, each following a unique storyline.

Visitors witness a historic conversation at the Memorial Hall of Fan Zhongyan and Teng Zijing, sit alongside ancient literati to see how the essay was conceived at the Seven-Star Stele Corridor, and grasp the essence of "they are concerned before anyone else and enjoy themselves only after everyone else finds enjoyment", a core Confucian ideological concept of duty, selflessness, and public service, while overlooking Dongting Lake from the main tower.

With no fixed stage, the show blends into the garden landscape, creating deep interaction between visitors, history and culture. Integrating 3D projection, naked-eye holography and digital-controlled lighting, it builds virtual-real scenes that break the boundary between performers and the audience.

Refined over 270 days through joint efforts of more than 20 professional teams, this high-quality show breathes new life into the classic cultural IP. It also explores a new way to revitalize traditional culture and connect it with younger generations via the integration of culture and technology.

Night view of  Yueyang Tower. [Photo/China Daily]