China's first 3D ultra-realistic human figure symbol of courage, perseverance

(ECNS) -- China’s first 3D ultra-realistic digital human “Hua Mulan”, a legendary Chinese heroine, was unveiled at a press conference in Beijing on Saturday.

The 3D model, based on the Ballad of Mulan, will be developed as a city image IP for the first time, promoting the integrated development of culture and tourism in ancient Datong, north China's Shanxi Province.

Jointly launched by Datong and Zhonghua Book Company, "Mulan" is brought to life on screen using cutting-edge technologies. Motion capture technology ensures her movements are smooth and lifelike, while virtual reality technology offers the audience an immersive experience, allowing them to step into the turbulent era alongside the legendary figure.

“We aim to faithfully capture Mulan's unique character and profound inner world while creating this 3D virtual human,” said Zhu Cuiping, deputy general manager of Gulian (Beijing) Media Tech, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zhonghua Book Company.

She added that the digital figure has broad applications across cultural tourism, education, film and entertainment, as well as city branding.

Extensive historical research and local folklore indicate that Mulan's legendary story is closely linked to the land of Datong.

According to the Ballad of Mulan, a narrative poem based on historical events, the story traces back to Pingcheng (ancient Datong), the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534).

In addition, the folk tradition and customs of Datong align closely with Mulan’s spirit of bravery, fearlessness, and perseverance.

Datong boasts a history of over 2,000 years. In recent years, it has focused on enhancing its image by leveraging local cultural heritage, bringing new vitality to the historic city.