By Wang Weijian, People’s Daily
Early in the morning, Mei Hong, a senior engineer at the administration office of Lingering Garden in Suzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province, logged into a digital platform for garden conservation and monitoring, uploaded the latest data collected over the previous few days.
Gesturing to rows of real-time data flashing on his screen, he explained, “From towering ancient trees and entire structures to individual tile or a trailing vine, every element in the garden is safeguarded by an invisible ‘digital guardian.’ With digital technology, we can continuously monitor all living organisms and structural components within the garden.”
Since 9 classical Suzhou gardens, including the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden, and Master-of-Nets Garden, were added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, Suzhou has established a comprehensive monitoring system for its heritage sites. The city has systematically digitized distinctive features such as lattice windows, paved paths, decorative furnishings, brick carvings, and archways, achieving millimeter-level accuracy. Detailed electronic records have been created for every component of these classical gardens, with data regularly measured and updated to maintain a dynamic database.
Why is such a meticulous database necessary?
At 59, Mei has dedicated over two decades to garden monitoring and conservation. He recalled that in earlier years, without digital tools, maintenance relied entirely on visual inspections and the subjective judgment of seasoned craftsmen. Questions like “Should this pillar be repainted?” or “Does this window lattice need repair?” were decided based on intuition. Over time, repeated restorations gradually eroding the original character of these classical gardens.
Digital technology has revolutionized heritage conservation, making it more precise and science-based. “Thanks to this database,” Mei said, “even centuries from now, no matter how many repairs or restorations occur, we will preserve the authentic essence of Suzhou’s classical gardens for generations to come.”
Digitalization is also breathing new life into these ancient spaces, offering visitors richer and more engaging experiences.
At 9 pm in the Humble Administrator’s Garden, located in Suzhou’s Gusu district, an enchanting “digital spectacle” unfolded amid the moonlit rocks and waters.
Holding a small lantern, 68-year-old Suzhou native Pan Meilan ascended to the Jianshan Pavilion in the garden. Peering down, she saw a digitally rendered “fawn” stroll gracefully through bamboos. Simulated birdsong and insect chirps, paired with the lilting melodies of Kunqu Opera, filled the air. Above the pavilion, a luminous “digital moon” slowly rose.
In recent years, while safeguarding cultural relics, the Humble Administrator’s Garden has embraced modern technologies such as digital projection to create immersive experiences. The Jianshan Pavilion serves as a highlight on the garden’s nighttime tour route.
Xue Zhijian, director of the garden’s administration office, explained that digital elements now permeate the 70-plus-mu (about 4.67 hectares) site. In addition to enhancing the nighttime experience, the garden has launched digital products inspired by Jianshan Pavilion and created its virtual replica. Through a mobile app, visitors can access a high-resolution, 720-degree 3D panoramic view of the pavilion.
The digital transformation exemplifies Suzhou’s broader initiative to preserve and showcase classical gardens through technology. In recent years, a host of new digital cultural products and experiences have emerged, giving these ancient gardens fresh appeal. Lingering Garden, for example, has developed a metaverse project, which uses 3D modeling to vividly recreate its major structures. The Lion Grove Garden has also introduced metaverse experience, featuring immersive 5G-enabled virtual reality tours.
Experts noted that Suzhou’s digital garden projects not only provide richer spatial data for conservation mapping, but also break the limitations of time and space. They offer new ideas and approaches for both protecting and revitalizing these cultural treasures.
