The Design School of Yunnan Arts University (YNAU), in collaboration with the Yunnan Provincial Museum, successfully created the large-scale original exhibition In Pursuit of Shangri-La: An Epic of Migration and Fluid Dialogue on the Eastern Edge of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau, which won the prestigious “Excellence Award” for the top ten national museum exhibitions of 2023.
Since its opening at the Yunnan Provincial Museum on December 28, 2023, the exhibition has attracted 580,000 visitors over its 120-day run. Centered on the theme of “Migration and Integration,” the exhibition uses immersive digital displays to vividly present the history of migration, movement, communication, and integration of people along the eastern edge of the Qinghai–Xizang Plateau over thousands of years.
The overall digital exhibition design was led by Associate Professor Liang Fang from the Digital Media Art Department of YNAU, in collaboration with Professor Li Yaohui and 9 graduate students. This project serves as an example of our YNAU's talent cultivation, industry-education integration, and science-education integration. The team utilized advanced digital media technology, blending science and art to enhance the technological content and artistic expression of the exhibition. This not only increased the interactivity and educational value of the exhibition but also provided students with a new perspective on combining technology and art. This collaboration offered students a platform for practical teaching experience while bringing innovative exhibition formats to the Yunnan Provincial Museum, effectively connecting and transforming educational resources and the cultural industry.
The main team members included: Associate Professor Liang Fang, Professor Li Yaohui, and graduate students Chu Xiaoyi, Chen Chuanhao, Zhang Jingde, Bai Mengqiu, Li Siyuan, Deng Sen, Wan Pucheng, Zhang Wenyuan, and Zhang Yifan.
The project continues to receive coverage from major domestic media. On March 29, 2024, the team was interviewed live on CCTV’s Chinese International Channel, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, creative inspiration, and implementation details. On May 26, CCTV’s “National Treasure Discovery” program aired a feature on the exhibition, showcasing the creative design and hard work of the team to a nationwide audience, providing a sensory and emotional feast.
