Digital innovations breathe new life into Foguang temple

Digital technology already covers areas such as the protection, management and virtual restoration of cultural heritage items. However, it also can improve the visitor experience, Lu said.

Technologies such as VR and interactive digital platforms are offering visitors immersive experiences and a more profound engagement with history, he said. They are able to "transport" users to heritage sites that may be far away or inaccessible because they are in a fragile condition.

Virtual tours of Foguang Temple let visitors from anywhere in the world explore its halls, courtyards, and artifacts, creating deeper connections with the past, Lu said.

Meanwhile, AR applications can overlay historical information or reconstructed elements onto a physical site, enhancing visitors' understanding of the temple's history and significance.

By digitally replicating structures, a permanent record is created that can withstand the wear and tear of time. This ensures future generations will be able to experience these wonders even if the originals are damaged by natural disasters or neglect, Lu said.