Virtual Reality (VR) is revolutionizing fields far beyond gaming and entertainment. Xianghan Wang, a multidisciplinary artist, stands at the forefront of this transformation, using VR as a powerful medium for cultural preservation. Recently named a finalist at the prestigious AIXR XR Awards, her groundbreaking project, The Rhythm of Tai Chi, is a prime example of how technology can bridge the gap between ancient traditions and the modern world. This recognition underscores her impact in merging culture, arts, and cutting-edge technology.
The AIXR XR Awards, a respected global honor in the virtual and augmented reality space, celebrate innovative and socially impactful projects. Competing alongside industry heavyweights like Apple, Meta, and Marvel Studios, Xianghan’s selection as a finalist reflects the growing importance of cultural preservation in the VR industry.
Explore the full list of winners and finalists here: AIXR XR 2024 Finalists.
Photo Courtesy: Xianghan Wang
Bringing Ancient Traditions into the Digital Era
The Rhythm of Tai Chi is more than just a virtual experience—it’s a transformative tool that bridges the ancient wisdom of Tai Chi with the digital age. Rooted in Chinese culture, Tai Chi is celebrated for its mental and physical health benefits. However, modern barriers such as lack of access to expert instructors and language obstacles have distanced younger generations from this practice.
Through Xianghan’s pioneering use of VR, these challenges are addressed in an immersive, interactive way. With real-time motion tracking and dynamic environments, users are guided through Tai Chi routines while receiving immediate feedback, fostering a deeper understanding of the art. As they move, users leave behind virtual traces of Qi (energy), creating a tangible connection to the flow of Tai Chi movements.
The environments themselves—from tranquil bamboo forests to snow-covered mountains—aren’t just visually stunning; they also enhance the user’s sense of mindfulness and connection to nature, a core element of Tai Chi philosophy. “VR offers a unique opportunity to make abstract concepts like Qi and Yin/Yang intuitive and accessible,” Xianghan explains. “This is about more than just teaching Tai Chi; it’s about conveying its deep cultural significance.”
VR as a Cultural Bridge
Xianghan’s project also demonstrates VR’s potential to foster cross-cultural understanding. With millennials and younger audiences increasingly drawn to wellness practices like Tai Chi, The Rhythm of Tai Chi serves as a platform to engage them in an accessible, immersive way. Research shows that VR can sustain user attention longer, making it an ideal medium for interactive learning. Xianghan’s project has proven this, with over 70% of users seeking more information about Tai Chi after engaging with the app.
Beyond just Tai Chi, Xianghan envisions this project as a model for preserving and teaching other culturally rich practices, such as Capoeira or Kendo. Her long-term goal is to use VR to keep these traditions alive, ensuring their survival in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Photo Courtesy: Xianghan Wang
Pioneering VR’s Role in Wellness and Education
With the success of The Rhythm of Tai Chi, Xianghan sees limitless potential for VR in areas like wellness and education. Her project reimagines how VR can be used not just as an entertainment tool, but as a powerful method for cultural education and personal well-being. As VR technology evolves, so too does its capacity to connect generations and preserve cultural legacies.
“VR allows us to create immersive experiences that resonate deeply with people, making learning and well-being more interactive and effective,” Xianghan notes. Her work highlights the harmonious coexistence of technology and tradition, and The Rhythm of Tai Chi is a shining example of how VR can positively impact individual health while safeguarding global cultural heritage.
Xianghan’s recognition as a finalist at the AIXR XR Awards is a milestone not only for her but also for the future of VR as a tool for cultural preservation. As her vision continues to evolve, it’s clear that VR has the potential to bridge generations and make ancient traditions relevant for the modern world.
Published By: Aize Perez
