The World Internet Conference (WIC) Digital Academy hosted a WIC·MIC (Mentor Insights Connection) event in Beijing on Jan 17, bringing together key figures from the Digital Central Axis project to explore how technology is shaping the preservation and revitalization of cultural heritage. 

[Photo/wicinternet.org]

Part of WIC·MIC's digital culture series, the event attracted more than 60 senior representatives from government departments, WIC members, prominent internet companies and universities. 

The event featured three speakers from the Digital Central Axis project, namely Li Chaoqun, product director of Tencent SSV digital culture lab; Liu Chen, head of IP operations at Uniblue and operations head for "Night at the Central Axis;" and Ge Hao, director of cultural tourism at Unicom Digital.

The Beijing Central Axis, a historic landmark, represents the heart of the city’s architectural and cultural identity. In July 2024, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially added the Beijing Central Axis, titled "A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital," to its World Heritage List. 

The Digital Central Axis project reflects the growing trend of combining tradition with cutting-edge technology to ensure the sustainability of cultural heritage in the digital age.

Li Chaoqun, product director of Tencent SSV digital culture lab [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Li Chaoqun, product director of Tencent SSV digital culture lab, described the project as a milestone in integrating technology with heritage. "The Digital Central Axis project is about more than just preserving history; it's about bringing these stories to life for a modern audience, ensuring that this cultural treasure remains relevant and engaging," she said.

She also emphasized that the project’s use of immersive technologies has transformed the Central Axis into a living narrative, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.

Ge Hao, director of cultural tourism at Unicom Digital [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Ge Hao, director of cultural tourism at Unicom Digital, emphasized the importance of public participation for the project’s success, "Digital tools allow us to make heritage preservation a shared responsibility and ensure that the Central Axis is not just a symbol of China’s history but a global cultural treasure."

Liu Chen, head of IP operations at Uniblue and operations head for "Night at the Central Axis" [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Liu Chen, head of IP operations at Uniblue and operations head for “Night at the Central Axis,” highlighted the creative storytelling behind the project.

"By using digital tools, we've transformed the Central Axis into a space where history and innovation come together, making it more accessible and exciting for global audiences," Liu said.

After hearing from the three speakers, attendees were invited to explore Microcosm, a WeChat Mini Program of the Digital Central Axis, through live demonstrations. The Mini Program allows users to virtually experience the Central Axis' rich history and cultural landmarks.

[Photo/wicinternet.org]

The diverse audience engaged in discussion with the invited speakers, with some notable feedback including:

"The Central Axis is not just a symbol of Beijing's history but of Chinese cultural identity, which demonstrating how technology can breathe new life into ancient heritage while respecting its authenticity."

"This project reflects our commitment to combining heritage preservation with innovation. It shows how technology can serve as a bridge, connecting our history to the world and making it accessible to younger generations."

"What stands out is how the Digital Central Axis transforms static monuments into dynamic learning tools. This is a model for engaging the public more deeply with history, not just as observers but as participants in its preservation."

[Photo/wicinternet.org]

At the event, WIC representatives outlined the organization’s ongoing plans for cultural heritage digitalization in 2025. "The Digital Central Axis is only the beginning. This year, WIC will launch a series of projects focused on the digitalization of cultural heritage, aiming to explore new ways to preserve, share, and innovate with our history, as well as enhance mutual learning across cultures," a representative stated.

"Digital Central Axis" project, jointly submitted by the Beijing Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage, Tencent, China Unicom, BlueFocus, and other organizations, was included in the 2024 Collection of Practice Cases of Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace.

The World Internet Conference Mentor Insights Connection (WIC·MIC) serves as a dynamic platform for leaders across industries to share insights, foster innovation, and facilitate meaningful exchanges of ideas.

[Photo/wicinternet.org]