On November 17, iconic Southern Tang (937–975) Dynasty painter Gu Hongzhong and his masterpiece the Night Revels of Han Xizai, a massive scroll-painting over 300 cm long detailing in five progressive sections a banquet thrown by a minister with music and dancing,came alive in Beijing through the wonders of modern technology.

Housed in the Palace Museum, the Night Revels of Han Xizai unfolds like a cinematic masterpiece. With vivid images of pipa performances, drums being played, elegant dances and melodious flutes, the painting serves as a portal to China’s ancient ceremonial and musical culture.

Thanks to a collaboration between artists like Ju Yao, a postdoctoral scholar from Tsinghua University’s Academy of Arts and Design, and her mentor Lu Xiaobo, the painting was animated with VR and AI. From costumes to the etiquette of the banquet, every detail was researched to mirror the reality of the Southern Tang Dynasty.

Using AI, an interactive avatar of Gu Hongzhong was created for visitors to “meet” the artist himself. In this immersive experience, audiences could ask questions about the painting, dive into the stories behind the characters, and explore the objects and rituals depicted.

Zhou Bing, vice-president of Intel corporate affairs , said technology can now be seamlessly integrated into art, creating experiences previously unimaginable. “Science and technology empower art,” Zhou said, adding that they were closely intertwined with art even in ancient times.  

One of the ceremony’s highlights was a live interaction between Lu Xiaobo and the AI avatar of Gu Hongzhong. It wasn’t just a game but a bridge between the past and the present, a dialogue between artists spanning over a millennium. As Xu Li, former secretary-general of the China Artists Association, said, “Art exhibitions like this help us understand the continuity of Chinese civilization, from its ancient origins to its modern transformations and its vision for the future.”

The project included cutting-edge recreations of costumes, utensils, and even the characters’ movements, deepening understanding of the painting's historical setting. Such efforts show the potential of digital technologies to shape the future of museum exhibitions, making them more engaging, educational, and inclusive.

As Ju explained, the project exemplifies how science and art can work together to inspire future generations. “By creating interactive and intelligent experiences, we preserve history and ensure that it resonates with modern audiences in a deeply personal way,” she said.