Exploring Beijing’s Central Axis: A Virtual Journey Through History and Culture

The Beijing Central Axis is now ready for digital visitors from around the world, thanks to Tencent’s groundbreaking Microcosm project. This immersive experience allows users to explore the historic landmark online, offering a guided tour of the Central Axis in stunning detail.

Accessible through the Digital Central Axis Weixin Mini Program, Microcosm provides a virtual replica of the heritage site that users can explore at their own pace. From the Forbidden City to the Temple of Heaven, users can delve into the history of the Central Axis and discover areas that may no longer be visible in real life.

But Microcosm is more than just a virtual tour—it’s also a platform for the Digital Watchman project, an innovative crowdsourced conservation initiative. By scanning QR codes, taking photos, and uploading inspection reports, users can become citizen stewards and help preserve the Central Axis for future generations.

Zhan Shu, Head of Digital Culture Lab at Tencent, highlights the importance of digital innovation in conserving cultural heritage. The Digital Central Axis Project showcases how technology can revitalize and protect important monuments, bridging the gap between tradition and the digital era.

With over 4.5 million visits, 800,000 registered users, and 17,000 Digital Watchman volunteers, the project has already made a significant impact on conservation efforts. By leveraging big data, cloud computing, gametech, AI, and knowledge maps, Tencent is paving the way for the protection of cultural treasures in the digital age.

So whether you’re a history buff, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about Chinese imperial design, the Digital Central Axis is now just a click away. Explore the wonders of Beijing’s Central Axis from anywhere in the world and join the movement to preserve our shared heritage for generations to come.