Virtual recreations of world wonders

The Dunhuang Mogao caves are a UNESCO World Heritage endangered by growing tourism. To protect them, the Dunhuang Research Academy has been taking detailed 3D scans and pictures. The City University of Hong Kong then developed a Virtual Reality (VR) recreation of one of the caves, down to its smallest details. This allows visitors to visit the caves virtually while guaranteeing their preservation. Moreover, this virtual recreation allows colour enhancements, as well as the incorporation of additional elements: animated dancers, 3D representations of music instruments. The VR experience may even be more engaging than the real thing!

In an AR version of this recreation, the 3D scan is projected on the walls of a black booth, at the dimensions of the cave. Visitors then explore the cave bit by bit through a tablet screen. This recreates the immersive experience of being in the dark cave, exploring its books and crannies with a flashlight.

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