Are you curious about the cultural stories hidden behind the ancient Grand Canal? Do you want to experience the artistic charm of this great architectural project that spans north and south China? Hosted by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation and organized by Wuzhou Hanfeng Education Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., the interactive online exhibition ‘Chinese + World Heritage: The Grand Canal – Down to the South’ will soon be launched. Stay tuned!
The Cultural Charm of the Grand Canal
The Grand Canal is one of the oldest canals in the world. It was not only an important waterway and economic lifeline in ancient China but also a treasure of Chinese civilization. In 2014, the Grand Canal was successfully inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage list, drawing international attention to its historical and cultural significance.
Target Audience
This online exhibition is aimed at global Chinese learners and Chinese culture enthusiasts, especially the overseas ‘Gen Z’ and ‘Digital Public’ youth groups. They will not only appreciate the fascinating scenery of the cities along the Grand Canal but also learn Chinese in an entertaining way.
Design Features
1. Selected Masterpieces, Tracing the Roots
The exhibition features over 70 classical paintings of cities along the Grand Canal. By exploring these artworks, visitors can discover the cultural stories behind the Grand Canal and appreciate its rich historical and cultural connotations.
2. Multimedia Interaction and Immersive Experience
The exhibition includes virtual exhibition halls, audio, animation, quizzes, and various interactive elements. These innovative designs, including interactive page design, transition effects, and touchpoint interactions, offer visitors an immersive experience while enhancing the interactivity and appeal of the online exhibition.
3. Integration of Chinese Vocabulary Learning
Chinese word cards are inserted into the exhibition content to help visitors learn Chinese vocabulary related to the Grand Canal. For example, while viewing paintings, visitors can learn words such as ‘boatman’, ‘communication’, ‘exchange’, and ‘channel’. The visual illustrations further deepen their understanding. This subliminal learning experience enhances their knowledge of Chinese culture.
Since its launch in November 2023, the project has spanned nearly eight months, covering multiple phases including planning, design, development, testing, and launch. Throughout the project, the team focused on technological innovation, aiming to provide audiences with a convenient and smooth viewing experience. In the future, we will continue to explore and present more Chinese cultural heritage resources through various forms of digital display projects, promoting the global dissemination of Chinese civilization and supporting the sustainable development of international Chinese education.
In recent years, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation has worked closely with partners at home and abroad, utilizing both online and offline technical means to develop ‘Chinese+’ products for overseas ‘Gen Z’ and ‘Digital Public’ youth groups. These include cultural videos, digital games, and online exhibitions focused on architecture, literature, music, cuisine, and contemporary China, which have been met with enthusiastic responses. For more details, visit https://culture.chineseplus.net/
