Core Insights - The rise of "immersive cultural tourism" is becoming a significant path for the transformation and upgrading of the cultural tourism industry, shifting from traditional sightseeing to experiential engagement [1][2] - Tourists are increasingly seeking to participate in creative activities during their travels, leading to a stronger cultural experience and emotional connection [1][2] - The growth of immersive experiences, such as DIY projects, is driving the development of related industries, including accommodation, dining, logistics, and cultural products [1] Industry Trends - Immersive experiences are rapidly increasing in popular tourist destinations, with projects like pottery making in Jingdezhen and silk weaving in Suzhou attracting many young people and families [1][2] - The shift from being mere spectators to co-creators in tourism reflects a change in the supply logic of the cultural tourism industry, emphasizing participation and creativity [1][2] - The development of immersive cultural tourism is breaking the time constraints and consumption bottlenecks of traditional sightseeing, leading to longer stays and a more integrated industry chain around experiences [1] Cultural Heritage and Innovation - This model provides a practical avenue for the transmission and transformation of intangible cultural heritage, allowing tourists to engage with and learn traditional crafts [2] - Various forms of immersive experiences, such as immersive theater and historical scene experiences, are maturing and providing multi-sensory cultural immersion [2] - The tourism product landscape is evolving from single-point services to systematic constructions, expanding from singular consumption to multi-dimensional value extensions [2] Challenges and Solutions - The development of immersive cultural tourism faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, inconsistent service standards, and a lack of innovation in content [2][3] - To promote sustainable development, it is crucial to improve supporting services and standards, delve into local cultural resources, and encourage collaborative development across tourism, culture, education, and e-commerce [3] - Immersive cultural tourism is not merely about hands-on activities; it effectively connects traditional culture, local industries, and modern demands, reshaping tourism scenes and expanding cultural transmission boundaries [3]

Core Insights - The article highlights the increasing popularity of immersive experiences and night-time activities in the Yangtze River Delta region during the summer, driven by high temperatures and vacation enthusiasm [1] Group 1: Shanghai Film and Television Park - Shanghai Film and Television Park has successfully integrated film and tourism, launching a night event that extends operating hours to 21:00, resulting in an increase in daily visitors from 2,000-3,000 to over 6,000 [1] - The park's immersive drama "New World: Breaking the Cage Feast" has been recognized as one of the best new tourism scenes for 2025, featuring a unique immersive theater experience with a 30,000-word original script [1] Group 2: Interactive Experiences - The park's immersive drama attracts a diverse audience, including many foreign company employees, with nearly 100% occupancy and extended performance duration to six months [2] - The upgraded performance "Only This Zhouzhuang" has optimized its duration to 70 minutes and enhanced 3D visual effects, making it more appealing during the summer [2] Group 3: Virtual Reality Innovations - The Yangzhou Grand Canal Museum has launched a VR immersive experience called "Canal Wonderland," allowing visitors to interact with ancient scenes through gesture controls, showcasing the impact of technology on immersive experiences [2] - The project "Paris 1874: Impressionist Night" by Boxin Universe features high-quality content and a large VR experience area, achieving near-full capacity for its sessions [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Hankou Water Tower, a historical landmark in Wuhan, has been transformed into a digital space experience center, integrating century-old architecture with metaverse technology, marking a significant cultural and technological advancement in the region [1][5][11]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The Hankou Water Tower was built in 1906, standing at 41.32 meters, and was designed by British engineer Moore, making Wuhan the fourth city in China to have a water supply system [5]. - It served critical urban functions such as fire lookout and water supply management until the late 1970s when modern water supply systems were established [8]. Group 2: Digital Transformation - The water tower has undergone protective renovation and digital transformation, utilizing digital twin technology to create a 340 square meter first-floor space for VR experiences, interactive activities, and multiplayer competitions [8][11]. - The renovation maintains the original appearance of the iconic red brick exterior, wooden spiral staircase, and steel structure, embodying an "old outside, new inside" design philosophy [11]. Group 3: Visitor Engagement - The digital space experience center, themed "Time Water Tower, Digital Jiangcheng," has been in trial operation since May, attracting over 1,000 visitors daily [15]. - Future plans include connecting the water tower with historical districts along Zhongshan Avenue to create a "water culture+" tourism matrix, enhancing Wuhan's status as a world-renowned cultural tourism destination [11].