Technology opens up new realm to experience ancient town

A Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) military post in rural Guizhou may not be a place you'd expect to board a 4D army tank ride to battle virtual reality-generated flying skulls, snapping crocodiles and striking cobras. Or to walk through an art installation simulating outer space where strings of lights of various colors and shapes dangle in rooms with mirrors on the walls, ceilings and floors, summoning a sense of cosmic infinity.

You can't help but walk into these suspended "heavenly bodies", putting miniature multiverses into motion at the Starry Sky Art Museum.

But travelers who explore Qingyan ancient town in Guizhou province's capital Guiyang will discover that this small, centuries-old settlement offers many digitally generated activities that appeal to vast worlds beyond its borders and our planet — and much more.