Empowering with Technology | At Yumingtang, I had a cross‑time conversation with the young Tang Xianzu.

“When you wrote ‘The Peony Pavilion,’ did you really dream of Du Liniang?” At the entrance to the first floor of Yumingtang, as soon as a visitor’s question faded, the “young Tang Xianzu,” dressed in a blue robe with a gentle smile in his eyes, bowed respectfully and replied in a warm, soothing voice: “Where love runs deep, even dreams become reality. The fragrant grasses and trees of Linchuan’s land, along with the lively bustle of its streets and markets—these very elements hold such devoted yearnings.” This National Day holiday, this AI‑interactive exhibit has become the memorial hall’s star attraction: crowds of visitors gather before the giant screen, eagerly chatting with “Tang Xianzu” and filming videos on their phones. Even young elementary school students chase after the AI, asking, “Do you think I’m cute?”

In fact, this is our museum’s “Tang Xianzu Digital Human” intelligent voice‑guided tour system, which integrates a range of cutting‑edge technologies. The project was implemented in the first half of this year and has already been experienced by many visitors; during the recent National Day holiday, it even became a popular photo‑op spot within the museum. By developing this system, we aim to showcase Jiangxi’s cultural heritage, foster deep integration between Linchuan’s Tang Xianzu cultural resources and emerging digital technologies, and bring time‑honored traditions to life—making them more dynamic and engaging—thereby offering visitors a richer, more immersive experience. At the same time, the smart guide system can be extended to online platforms, attracting a broader digital audience and significantly expanding our reach.

The “Young Tang Xianzu” digital IP character is designed based on Tang Xianzu’s self-portrait, blending historical accuracy in Ming‑dynasty attire with a charming, approachable cartoon aesthetic that appeals to visitors of all ages. The system supports three types of interactive scenarios—“Bluetooth‑based automatic content playback,” “photo‑triggered content,” and “user‑initiated playback”—to deliver engaging, context‑specific guided experiences across a variety of settings.

Our museum introduced this equipment not just to expand our interactive offerings, but to create a cultural experience that stages a “dialogue between past and present.” Tang Xianzu’s idea of “utmost sincerity” and the enduring charm of The Four Dreams of Linchuan should be conveyed through contemporary, innovative means. As more young people embrace AI, we are using this medium to bring traditional culture to life—when children eagerly ask, “What’s Grandpa Tang’s story?” and when visitors are inspired to read The Four Dreams of Linchuan after an AI-driven conversation, that is the best beginning for passing on our cultural heritage.

Perhaps some readers, even as they turn the pages of “The Peony Pavilion,” still feel a sense of distance—hundreds of years separating them from the text. Yet when the blue light of a smart device illuminates the screen, bringing to life the youthful figure in his green robe, and we hear him recount the play’s stories in vivid, living language, traditional culture ceases to be mere printed ink on paper and becomes a kindred spirit—one with whom we can converse and connect. Technology serves as a bridge, drawing us closer to history and to the ancients, while also carrying Linchuan culture into an ever‑brighter future.

This autumn, there’s no need to wait for the “startling dream”—come to the Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall in Fuzhou! Chat with “Young Tang Xianzu” about the deep emotions in his plays and the landscapes he captured in his writings, experience the unique charm born from the collision of technology and culture, and embark on a cultural rendezvous that spans more than four centuries!