Culture

Ancient charm meets modern tech at dazzling light show in southwest China's Chongqing 2026/1/23 source: International daily Print

Ancient charm meets modern tech at dazzling light show in southwest China's Chongqing.jpg

In southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, a recent drone and light show demonstrated how traditional culture can be presented in new and exciting ways, as technology empowered ancient aesthetics to create immersive experiences for the audience.

Using the river as a curtain and lasers as a brush, the "New Rhyme Chongqing" drone and light show offered spectators a stunning and immersive performance. A major highlight of the evening was a display titled "Flowers Blooming for Prosperity," a theme rich in traditional 

Chinese symbolism. In the show, a flower, embodying classic Eastern beauty, slowly unfurled in the night sky. It was soon joined by a shimmering, iridescent butterfly, creating a dazzling interplay of light and motion.

This "water, land and air" three-dimensional performance expanded the show's narrative space and visual layers, with its unique traditional Chinese-style themes proving particularly popular among younger audience members.

"I think that in fact, every picture, at the very moment it freezes in place, makes me feel both shocked and moved," said Feng, a local resident.
The use of color was also thoughtfully designed, with the employment of a brighter, more vivid palette that appeals to modern tastes. Technology did more than just recreate traditional patterns. Through data collection, dynamic programming, and real-time interaction, it transformed classic motifs like "butterfly lovers" and "gourd of treasure" into engaging and shareable emotional experiences.

"I think it's beautiful. The show is fantastic, very colorful," said a tourist from the UK.

"We were so impressed with the city and it actually amazes me. Yeah, we think it's an amazing city. We'd like to get back here again," said a visitor from Spain.


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