X-Meta, a company in Shanghai, has combined artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) to recreate an immersive and mythological adventure with entertainment experience in ancient China that dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

The X-Meta is tucked away in a skyscraper among the monoliths in modern Shanghai. But in this case, the X could stand for excellence. Hu Shihui is the founder and CEO of this experience that takes gamers to ancient Luoyang to protect the Queen and ward off evil.
"Through this experience, you will gain an understanding of the culture, architecture, all clothing styles, and even the lamps of the Tang Dynasty," said Hu.
The VR used here at X-Meta has been something new – once you put the headset on, you are transported to a trip through mythical China with giant flying birds, a boat ride over a waterfall, and dodging flaming arrows.
The immersive experience plays out in a normal sized room, just 300 square meters. But gamers would feel like they are traveling over dozens of kilometers inside the virtual world with mountains, rivers, and a volcano. It takes about 45 minutes, but the reality of it all stays a lot longer.
"The biggest difference I feel is how realistic they are. You feel like you're really in that scene. After I finished playing the game, I felt not quite adaptive, as if I was still in the fantasy," said Mask Wang, a X-Meta gamer.
The X-Meta experience is based on a TV show developed by iQiyi, a leading online entertainment service in China. Hu designed so-called theme park together, and wants to challenge all senses with the smell, touch, and so on. This is the only experience of its kind according to Hu. And it is all done with one word — technology.
"We extensively use AI technology to help us generate images and videos. With sci-tech leap, especially with growing virtual- and reality-based technology, the ways we experience will greatly expand in the future," said Hu.
"[It made me wonder] if the ancient Luoyang in China was really as prosperous as depicted in the game. Playing this game has sparked my interest in seeing and taking a tour to the modern-day Luoyang for myself," said Xu Jinjin, another X-Meta gamer.
X-Meta has been expanding, as the store in the Macao Special Administrative Region will be opened in May, with an ambitious plan to be in 1,000 Chinese cities and towns in five years. It wants to go international as well, who is also in talks with Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.