The Turpan Museum in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the Chinese mainland has embarked on an ambitious digital preservation initiative. Over the next three months, museum staff will use high resolution cameras and AI to capture 2,000 relics in 3D.
Each artifact will be photographed from 360 angles, generating images that feed into an AI system to build models with up to 0.15 millimeter precision. This level of detail preserves shape, texture, and material composition.
A museum researcher says the digital platform will transform how people learn about these objects, enabling virtual tours, interactive classrooms, and support for cultural programs around the world.
With more than 20,000 relics spanning 35 categories, the Turpan Museum plays a vital role in showcasing the Chinese mainland's rich heritage. This project marks a key step in blending technology with cultural preservation.
For students, digital nomads, and heritage enthusiasts, these 3D models open new opportunities to explore ancient Silk Road artifacts from anywhere. As digitalization efforts expand, the door opens wider to a shared, immersive past.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
