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Digital Technology Empowers the Revitalization of Industrial Heritage and the Construction of Tourist Cognition

Author(s)

Chen Ren

Affiliation(s)

Wuxi City Vocational College, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China

Abstract

This study takes the Wuxi China National Industrial and Commercial Museum as its focal case, systematically investigating the pathways and mechanisms through which digital technology facilitates the revitalization of industrial heritage, grounded in constructivist learning theory and digital narrative theory. The core innovation lies in the proposition and implementation of a "three-dimensional integration model," which encompasses the following: activating spatial carriers through a synthesis of "historic architecture and emerging technologies" via holographic projection, augmented reality (AR) interaction, and other modalities to imbue historical structures with contemporary vitality; reconstructing experiential logic by merging "time-honored enterprises with novel scenarios," employing immersive recreations of the Maoxin Flour Mill's production processes and the entrepreneurial trajectory of the Rong family to shift industrial heritage from static display to dynamic engagement; and broadening the dimensions of dissemination through a fusion of "Republican-era aesthetics and youth-oriented expression," utilizing narrative strategies resonant with younger demographics to convey the spirit of national industry and commerce alongside the cultural legacy of the Grand Canal. This model effectively transcends the constraints inherent in conventional museum exhibitions, facilitating a pivotal transition for visitors from passive observation to active participation and cognitive construction. It thereby repositions industrial heritage from mere "artifact exhibition" towards "immersive storytelling," simultaneously deepening the efficacy of cultural transmission while augmenting touristic appeal and communicative reach, offering a replicable and scalable paradigm for the digital preservation of industrial heritage and the integrated development of culture and tourism nationwide.

Keywords

Digital Technology; Industrial Heritage Revitalization; Constructivist Learning Theory; National Industrial and Commercial Museum

References

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