Shandong University (SDU) excelled at the 2nd National Finals of the Cultural China Innovative Transformation and Development Competition for Graduate Students, held recently in Tianjin. SDU students demonstrated their remarkable professionalism, winning eight First Prizes, 17 Second Prizes, and 15 Third Prizes across multiple categories.

A standout in SDU's performance was the project titled Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains Digital Immersion Special Exhibition, presented by the School of History and the School of Archaeology, which placed runner-up.

Focusing on the masterpiece by Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 AD) calligrapher Zhao Mengfu, the project brings the artifact to life through a physical exhibition, VR experience, and cultural products. It reconstructs the autumn landscape depicted in the scroll, connecting it to the profound homeland sentiments shared between Zhao Mengfu and his friend Zhou Mi.

Aiming to breathe life into cultural relics, the project promotes public appreciation for traditional Chinese culture. The VR experience features an engaging narrative, allowing users to become characters within the painting. Participants virtually explore the misty willows and shimmering waters, experiencing the artist's profound nostalgia, the depth of friendship, and patriotic emotions.

Other SDU entries covered fields including digital culture, creative design, intangible heritage crafts, and culture-tourism integration. Collectively, these projects demonstrated that innovation must be deeply rooted in an understanding of tradition, successfully infusing youthful energy and modern relevance into China's cultural heritage.

A wide range of cultural products from the awarded project, Autumn Colors on the Que and Hua Mountains Digital Immersion Special Exhibition [Photo/Shandong University]

SDU students from the School of History and the School of Archaeology take to the stage to receive the awards. [Photo/Shandong University]