VR exhibition brings Sanxingdui civilization to life

A Sanxingdui-themed virtual reality (VR) exhibition at the Pingshan Exhibition Gallery is transporting visitors 3,000 years into the past to explore the mysteries of the ancient Shu civilization. Using cutting-edge technology, the show “awakens” legendary relics and myths long buried beneath the earth, offering a vivid, modern way to experience a millennia-old civilization.

Visitors enjoy a VR experience at the Sanxingdui-themed exhibition. Photos from the organizer

Visitors view image displays at the exhibition.

A visitor colors drawings of Sanxingdui relics at the exhibition.

Visitors don VR headsets and step into a mythical realm of sun worship, myths and ancient civilization. Guided by a companion called “Bronze Xiaoyang,” the experience retraces a world of nine golden crows and the heroic archer Hou Yi, then leads users into a bronze “secret realm.” There, visitors can “touch” the intricate patterns of the Bronze Sacred Tree and “soar” with mythical birds above an ancient Shu altar, unraveling the stories behind the iconic gold masks as reality and illusion blur.

The exhibition turns cultural exploration into an interactive adventure. Powered by PICO VR headsets, it brings bronze altars, gold scepters, and sacred birds to life, allowing visitors to walk through layers of mist where myth and history meet. Stunning visuals, free-form exploration and interactive games replace dry historical texts with an immersive, sensory approach to the past.

Scenes from the Sanxingdui-themed VR experience.

Designed for all ages, the digital odyssey highlights how technology can revitalize history and engage new audiences with ancient Eastern aesthetics. 

Dates: Through June 7

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mondays

Tickets: 39.9-49.9 yuan

Venue: Pingshan Exhibition Gallery, Pingshan District (坪山区坪山展览馆)

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Center Station (坪山中心站), Exit D2