When the bronze sacred tree of Sanxingdui meets the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament at the National Museum of China, the landmark exhibition Twin Stars Illuminating the World: The Ancient Shu Civilization of the Sanxingdui and Jinsha Sites presents more than a stunning assembly of cultural relics—it offers a vivid demonstration of how digital technologies are reshaping the preservation, interpretation, and dissemination of cultural heritage.

A visitor is viewing the bronze human head.

[Photo via Xinhua News Agency]

A Multi-Sensory Transformation of the Exhibition Experience

The exhibition brings together more than 200 representative artifacts from the two archaeological sites, many of which are being displayed outside their home institutions for the first time. Designed as a multi-dimensional sensory experience, the exhibition incorporates Braille descriptions, tactile exhibits, and smart guided tours, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive and accessible design.

AI-assisted virtual restoration of Sanxingdui artifacts.

[Photo via Sichuan Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology]

More notably, digital technologies are deeply embedded at the very source of heritage conservation and restoration. Through 3D laser scanning, AI-assisted identification, and virtual reconstruction, archaeologists have successfully restored a number of complex artifacts in the digital realm. Some of these results have even been materialized through 3D printing, allowing visitors to encounter reconstructed relics in tangible form and gain a deeper understanding of archaeological processes.

Creating Immersive and Interactive Cultural Spaces

The true power of digital technology lies in its ability to create immersive and interactive cultural environments. Moving beyond traditional display cases, the Ancient Shu civilization is being transformed into an experiential cultural IP. Supported by high-precision digital archives of cultural relics, creative teams have developed glasses-free 3D visual content, enabling the bronze sacred tree to “grow” before viewers’ eyes and turning history into a living, perceivable cultural spectacle.

Innovative Communication and Cultural Industry Synergy

Digitalization has also opened new pathways for the internationalization and youth-oriented dissemination of Ancient Shu culture. Elements inspired by bronze masks have been incorporated into the animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2, while science-fiction short dramas have reimagined the civilization in futuristic narratives. Through cross-media and cross-industry collaboration, the Ancient Shu cultural IP has successfully reached global audiences, particularly younger generations.

The film Ne Zha 2 incorporates elements of bronze masks

At the same time, a diversified ecosystem of cultural and creative products has transformed ancient symbols into emotional and consumer connections, forming a sustainable model for heritage activation that bridges culture, creativity, and industry.

A Living Civilization in the Digital Age

From ritual pits buried deep underground to cultural symbols thriving in the digital world, the stories of Sanxingdui and Jinsha demonstrate that the vitality of civilization lies in continuous dialogue and transformation. Digital empowerment has become the latest language through which our era communicates with millennia-old heritage—ensuring that the brilliance of the past is not confined to history, but lives vividly in the present and confidently moves toward the future.

(Compiled from Guangming Daily, Science and Technology Daily, and Sichuan Online, etc.)