A virtual tour of Beijing’s central axis

• Tencent launches Microcosm, the largest virtual urban historical landscape
• Virtual tours available on the Digital Central Axis Weixin Mini Program
• Users explore Beijing’s historical sites in 3D detail
• Crowdsourced conservation initiative engages citizens in conservation efforts

Tencent has unveiled “Microcosm,” the largest virtual urban historical landscape ever created. The immersive experience showcases Beijing’s Central Axis online, coinciding with its recent addition to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Characteristics of the microcosm

• Immersive tour: Through the Digital Central Axis Weixin Mini Program (云上中轴), users can take a detailed 3D tour of Beijing’s iconic landmarks at their own pace, guided by avatars.
• Historical depth: Explore the Central Axis throughout history, including areas and scenes that may no longer exist in real life.
• Digital Guardian Project: Launched in December 2023, this innovative initiative will allow users to contribute to conservation efforts. By scanning QR codes and uploading inspection reports, locals and visitors can help preserve this historic site.
• Civil stewardship: More than 17,000 volunteers submitted over 70,000 inspection photos, contributing to proactive nature conservation.

High-tech creation

Built over three years, Microcosm integrates high-definition scanning, modeling and gaming technologies. The project includes:

• A detailed five-level map covering 200 km x 200 km
• 300,000 plants and 2.2 million buildings, plus natural features such as hills and water bodies
• More than 15 terabytes of 3D data, representing a total of 10.4 billion facets

Technological failure:

• HD scanning: Captures small details.
• 3D modeling: Builds accurate replicas.
• Huge amounts of data: 15 terabytes of information.

Increasing audience engagement

Tencent has integrated elements of Beijing’s cultural wonders into various media formats. Music, videos, animations and mobile games licensed from Beijing Central Axis IP engage millions of young people in cultural preservation.

Engagement strategies:

• Music videos: Cultural themes appeal to the public.
• Mobile games: Interactive learning experiences.

Preservation aids:

• QR codes: Scan to start a report.
• Photo uploads: Document signs of deterioration.
• Input from the mass: Participate in the preservation of heritage.

Important milestones

The Digital Central Axis Weixin Mini Program has seen over 4.5 million visits, 800,000 registered users, and contributions from 17,000 volunteers. Together, these users have uploaded over 70,000 inspection photos to support conservation efforts.

User statistics:

• 4.5 million visits: High involvement.
• 800,000 users: Large user base.
• 70,000 photos: Important contributions from volunteers.

Using technology to preserve heritage

The Digital Central Axis project highlights how big data, cloud computing, gaming technology, AI and knowledge maps can make heritage conservation interactive and engaging. Tencent’s project demonstrates the potential of technology to protect and revitalize cultural treasures in the digital age.

Technological impact:

• Big data: Informed protection.
• Cloud computing: Scalable solutions.
• AI and gaming technology: Improved user engagement.

With Microcosm, Tencent is preserving history and making it accessible and engaging for future generations.