Sydney park highlights Chinese culture with hi-tech

In central Sydney, an immersive digital exhibition combining Chinese technology with traditional culture has captured the attention of local audiences.

Stepping into the core venue of this exhibition, visitors may find themselves surrounded by visuals of clouds parting to reveal layers of green mountains and flowing streams, evoking a traditional Chinese landscape painting.

As the visuals rise, viewers seem to drift through a mist before a traditional Chinese building comes into view. Later, night falls, Kongming lanterns — traditional Chinese sky lanterns — lift into the sky, and a dragon flies across the screen, creating a distinctly Chinese visual atmosphere.

This sequence forms part of the Orbital Cinema, the exhibition's centerpiece at DigiPark in central Sydney. With its 180-degree curved high-definition screen and immersive surround sound, the space transports audiences into the atmosphere of China's traditional festivities and cultural scenery.

Originating in China and following years of operation across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, this immersive cultural experience offering has now made its debut in the Southern Hemisphere.

Chris Ferrie, a quantum physicist and an associate professor at the University of Technology Sydney, was amazed by his first impression of the immersive visuals.

"You can hardly tell that the technology is there because it gives you this really immersive experience," he said.

"We're standing on the screens, and that to me seems like a scary thing," he said, "I don't even want to touch my TV, and here we are standing on one. It's very impressive."

Ferrie underlined the importance of introducing Chinese culture to Australian audiences through immersive virtual reality experiences. Chinese culture has such a long tradition that it is exciting and interesting for people.

"Especially in a place like Australia, where we have all sorts of cultures from around the world."

According to the Australia Immersive Technology Market Size & Outlook report released by consulting company Grand View Research, Australia's immersive technology market generated revenue of about $537 million in 2024 and is expected to reach over $2.65 billion by 2030, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 31.6 percent from 2025 to 2030.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Jan 28, Sydney councilor Adam Worling said such immersive experiences add new attractions to the city while supporting economic growth.

"This immersive, tech-driven experience showcasing global advances in holographic and digital displays is a unique addition to Sydney's attractions, and one that will enhance the city's cultural and entertainment offerings," he said.

Worling also highlighted the broader economic contribution of the sector, saying businesses like this are "vital in driving economic growth and creative jobs".

Worling said the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival would be "a very exciting time", he said, adding that as someone born in the Year of the Horse, he is eager to get involved in Chinese cultural events during the Fire Horse year.

xinxin@chinadaily.com.cn