Step into myth as 3D show 'Amazing Zhulong' arrives at China Art Museum

The first immersive naked-eye 3D installation art display focused on mythological creatures from "Shan Hai Jing," or "Classic of Mountains and Seas," will debut on July 15 at China Art Museum in Pudong New Area.

As one of the core events of the 2025 Shanghai Tourism Festival, "Amazing Zhulong" is not only a modern visual feast but also a breakthrough in classic narrative and a perfect mix of fine traditional culture and current digital art aesthetics.

It uses cutting-edge technology to reimagine the visual charm and philosophical undertones of ancient mythology.

For years, the mysterious imagery described in "Shan Hai Jing" has inspired endless creativity.

The exhibition, which focuses on Zhulong, a cosmic being described in ancient texts as a thousand-mile-long deity who commands day and night, uses cutting-edge digital technologies such as naked-eye 3D, holographic laser and interactive sensing to bring ancient mythical beasts to life in a 2,000-square-meter exhibition space, resulting in the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture.

Designed as a journey through a fictional realm, the exhibition guides visitors through various zones where 10 ultra-high-definition LED displays recreate a dynamic cosmic landscape, and viewers become "cosmic travelers," discovering the secrets of the mysterious realm through participation.

"Flowing Realm" is a 360-degree enclosed light-sculpture space that employs multi-projection reconstruction. Inside, guests are surrounded by light, with water, air and mist flowing indefinitely.

"Dragon Scales" is a meticulously-crafted area. Each scale is sculpted, polished, painted and hand-pasted, demonstrating both technology and art.

"Dragon Eye" is an 8-meter-diameter LED dome that generates a dynamic cosmos using a "million-particle dynamic simulation system." Lying down, it resembles both the sun and the pupil of a deep-sea creature, exuding a sense of cosmic grandeur.

Zhulong's mysteries are revealed layer by layer as visitors traverse through galactic vortices, walk through fictional peach groves, and explore dragon-scale tunnels.

"Digital interactive technology is not just a carrier of visual spectacles, but also a translator of traditional culture," said Wang Yichuan, executive director of China Art Museum. "Through these unique contents and forms that blend contemporary aesthetics and technology, visitors become participants, touching, perceiving and savoring a mysterious and grand visual feast, gaining a new, diversified experience unattainable in traditional museums."

"The theme is really interesting, and we try to invent a new way of interpreting that story, including something new about it, which makes the experience unique," said Jonathan Warner, a design team member from the United States.

Following its Shanghai premiere, the exhibition will go on a global tour that will include stops in Singapore and Dubai.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm, July 15-October 8 (closed on Mondays)

Admission: 98 yuan, 58 yuan for an early bird ticket. Tickets are available on various ticketing platforms such as Damai, Trip.com, Douyin, Maoyan and Piaoxingqiu.

Address: 205 Shangnan Rd, the Pudong New Area

浦东新区上南路205号