China Brings Timeless Tang Dynasty Architecture to Life at Osaka Expo 2025
China Brings Timeless Tang Dynasty Architecture to Life at Osaka Expo 2025
China has opened a stunning digital window into its architectural past at the Osaka Expo 2025, unveiling the Japanese edition of CGTN's immersive exhibition, "Tang Architecture: Building Timeless Glory." Hosted inside the China Pavilion, the showcase combines technology and tradition to spotlight the elegance and innovation of Tang Dynasty wooden architecture.Reviving a Golden Age Through Technology
The Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) is widely regarded as a golden age of Chinese architecture. Its impact on design, aesthetics and urban planning has transcended borders and centuries. The exhibition uses AI animation, 3D modeling, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to transport visitors back to this glorious era. From detailed reconstructions of sacred temples to the grand imperial complexes, the experience breathes life into structures long lost to time.Highlights include digital recreations of the East Hall of Foguang Temple, one of China’s oldest surviving wooden buildings, the majestic Daming Palace, and the grid-based urban layout of Chang’an, the then-capital and one of the world’s largest cities during its peak.
Bridging Eras with Innovation
Beyond the virtual elements, attendees can interact with a physical model of the East Hall, enhanced with VR overlays that unveil its elaborate inner craftsmanship. This hybrid approach allows for a tangible yet futuristic engagement with ancient Chinese heritage, blending architectural history with interactive storytelling.
Cultural Dialogue Through Architecture
The exhibition drew experts from China and Japan in fields ranging from architecture to cultural studies. Discussions during the launch event emphasized Sino-Japanese cultural cooperation, noting the shared architectural legacies and influences between the two civilizations.Participants praised the exhibit as a fresh channel for international audiences to experience Chinese aesthetic philosophy, and as a tool to deepen understanding across cultures. The Tang Dynasty’s global influence—particularly on East Asian architecture—was highlighted as a key theme in building bridges between historical traditions and modern innovation.
A Glimpse Into a Digitally Preserved Legacy
“Building Timeless Glory” is more than a nostalgic glance at the past—it’s a bold experiment in cultural preservation through digital innovation. By making use of immersive media, the project seeks to captivate a younger generation of global citizens while preserving the core artistry of Chinese heritage.As the Osaka Expo 2025 continues to spotlight global creativity and progress, China’s Tang architecture exhibit is a compelling reminder that the future of culture is as much about remembering the past as it is about shaping what's next.
