AI Empowering High-Quality Development in Cultural Tourism

2026-04-07 08:44

The 14th Five-Year Plan emphasizes the role of digital technology and data in enhancing people’s lives and improving welfare across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and cultural tourism.

In Hunan’s Hengyang, the Chuan Mountain Academy utilizes AI to create immersive cultural tourism experiences; in Hangzhou, the AI guide “Hang Xiaoyi” serves as a digital tour guide; and in Dalian, the smart tourism platform “Xingyou Dalian” offers personalized itineraries. In recent years, cultural tourism has been rapidly upgraded towards immersive, intelligent, and personalized experiences, leveraging AI technology.

Bridging Time and Space for Rich Cultural Experiences

In the spring, at the Chuan Mountain Academy in Hengyang, a dialogue across time and space is taking place: visitors wear AR glasses and see the historical figure Wang Fuzhi, dressed in traditional attire, interpreting the philosophical thoughts from the “Zhou Yi Wai Zhuan”. This scene is part of the immersive experience created by the academy, bringing to life the philosophical wisdom from over 300 years ago.

Founded in 1878, the Chuan Mountain Academy is a significant birthplace of Huxiang culture, dedicated to promoting the thoughts of philosopher Wang Fuzhi from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Wang advocated for practical application of knowledge, significantly influencing modern Chinese thought.

Previously, the academy’s static exhibitions made it difficult for visitors to fully grasp Wang’s philosophical essence. In 2025, the academy launched the AI Digital Human project, utilizing natural language processing technology to present Wang’s likeness and voice. Visitors can engage in conversations with the virtual Wang Fuzhi and trigger AR annotations of his works through gesture interactions, transforming classical texts into dynamic illustrations. “We hope visitors can engage in dialogue with ancient thinkers rather than passively receive knowledge, experiencing the contemporary value of Wang’s thoughts through reflection,” said Chang Bin, the planning manager of the academy.

In the AI interactive lecture hall, visitor Zhou Liqian asked the virtual digital human, “How does the teacher view the relationship between knowledge and action?” Immediately, the digital human elaborated with references. “It’s not a one-way lecture, but a dialogue of ideas,” Zhou commented.

“Bringing children to converse with Wang Fuzhi is much more vivid than a history class!” said visitor Zhang Yu from Guangzhou. Data shows that in 2025, the academy’s visitor numbers increased by 110.84% year-on-year, with study tour groups accounting for 59.26%. Many parents believe this immersive dialogue can stimulate children’s interest in learning.

“AI does not simply replicate history but constructs interactive logic based on an analysis of millions of words from Wang’s writings, letters, and contemporaneous scholars’ evaluations, ensuring that the dialogue strictly adheres to the core tenets of Wang’s philosophy,” explained the project’s technical team leader. Within the Chuan Mountain Academy, technology and humanities merge, allowing traditional culture to be passed down through light and shadow.

Convenient and Smart Guidance with Digital Tour Guides

Springtime at West Lake in Hangzhou is beautiful. At a cultural tourism information kiosk by the lake, visitor Yuan Meng tapped her phone against a blue “smart sticker” on the kiosk, and a charming girl in a qipao named “Hang Xiaoyi” appeared on the screen, ready to assist. “Hang Xiaoyi” is Hangzhou’s city cultural tourism AI entity, providing real-time city tour guides and inquiries.

“Is there a lot of people at Leifeng Pagoda right now?” Yuan Meng asked Hang Xiaoyi via voice, and the response immediately provided the current visitor flow information at popular West Lake attractions. “This is much more convenient than searching on my phone; it’s like having a free tour guide with me,” Yuan Meng remarked.

“Can you recommend a route for visiting the Broken Bridge?” Yuan Meng inquired. Within five seconds, Hang Xiaoyi sent a classic boat tour route for West Lake’s “Broken Bridge Residue Snow”: “Start from Hubin Pier, first visit the Broken Bridge; then explore Beishan Street to admire the architecture from the Republic of China era; continue to Baoshi Mountain for a panoramic view of West Lake.”

Following the guidance, Yuan Meng and her group boarded a boat from Hubin Pier. “Hang Xiaoyi” became their guide, describing the scenery: “Rowing on the lake, the water rippling, enjoying the ink painting of mountains and city on three sides. The Broken Bridge Residue Snow is one of the ten scenic spots of West Lake, covered in silver during winter, appearing as if it is broken yet not broken.”

“Hang Xiaoyi” not only introduces attractions but also educates about the historical and cultural context along the way. “Using Hang Xiaoyi, management departments and businesses can provide precise services to tourists while also gathering feedback on visitor preferences to enhance service quality and expand service offerings,” said Bo Wengan, Deputy Director of the Hangzhou Cultural and Tourism Development Center.

Zhou Jiayi, director of the Hangzhou Craftsmanship Living Museum, has experienced this firsthand. Located near the Hangzhou Arts and Crafts Museum complex, attracting visitors is crucial. “Recently, many tourists told me they came here following Hang Xiaoyi, which surprised me,” Zhou said. “The museum showcases over 20 distinctive crafts and intangible cultural heritage skills, allowing visitors to participate in experiences, making it well worth a visit.”

Now, if visitors ask Hang Xiaoyi about cultural heritage sites near the Broken Bridge, she will recommend the Craftsmanship Living Museum based on historical data. “Previously, we introduced AI glasses; when worn, Hang Xiaoyi introduces intangible cultural heritage skills right in front of them, increasing the number of visitors experiencing these crafts,” Zhou added.

Professional and Efficient Trip Customization with Travel Concierge

In the spring at Lijiao Bay in Dalian, the blue sea is tranquil, and the colorful European-style buildings across the bay are romantic, with seagulls soaring overhead.

“What a great shot!” exclaimed visitor Song Yao with her friends, as they admired a photo capturing themselves with the sea, buildings, and seagulls in the background. “This photo spot and framing method were suggested by AI!” Song Yao happily shared.

The AI she referred to is the local smart tourism platform, the “Xingyou Dalian” mini-program, which features an AI intelligent route planning function.

Opening the chat window, Song Yao could see the process of generating her Dalian itinerary.

“What attractions are suitable for visiting in Dalian?” she began her conversation with the mini-program.

The program initially suggested traditional and classic attractions like Dalian Shengya Ocean World and Dalian Forest Zoo. Finding these suggestions too generic, she specified her needs: “Where are the best photo spots in Dalian?” This time, popular locations like Fisherman’s Wharf and Nanshan Style Street appeared in the response.

Continuing her inquiry, she asked, “How can I take good photos at Fisherman’s Wharf?” The mini-program provided suggestions: “Capture the wharf’s panoramic view from a nearby observation deck to highlight the architectural clusters and harbor’s depth. The Lijiao Bay observation deck offers a great view, allowing for clear shots of Fisherman’s Wharf across the bay; it’s best to visit in the afternoon on a sunny day, getting off at Hutan Park Station on Metro Line 5 and walking about 20 minutes.”

“It’s like having a thoughtful ’travel concierge’ that saves us from switching between different software platforms for travel, accommodation, and dining. I just need to describe my needs accurately and completely, and it can provide a comprehensive guide. For specific interests, I can ask further questions,” Song Yao explained.

Shortly after chatting with the mini-program, Song Yao had essentially confirmed her desired locations and then requested, “Design a two-day Dalian travel itinerary that includes Lijiao Bay, Dongguan Street Historical and Cultural District, experiences on a tram, and encounters with sika deer along the coastal road, with Lijiao Bay scheduled for the afternoon.”

Within seconds, a detailed personalized itinerary appeared in the chat window: Day one focuses on coastal routes, visiting the ocean world, Lijiao Bay, and seeing sika deer; Day two covers urban street scenes… “I am very satisfied with this arrangement, as it allows me to experience Dalian’s marine culture while enjoying the city’s historical charm,” Song Yao stated.

“By integrating AI large models, the ‘Xingyou Dalian’ mini-program has upgraded to an intelligent ’travel concierge’, enhancing planning efficiency and visitor experience,” said Shan Meina, director of the Dalian Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, noting that the mini-program has nearly 430,000 users.