The interactive platform allows online tourists to take on an ancient identity.

The 3-D re-creation offers an immersive, interactive, and populated space that corresponds architecturally and historically to the vast grounds of the current Palace Museum. And this participatory environment stresses the importance of a space alive with the people.

A chance to see the emperor is something the Forbidden City cannot do. But the real Forbidden City offers things that the virtual representation never can. For example, the precision and beauty of historical artifacts.

Hu Chui, director of Information Dept., the Palace Museum, said, "A virtual reality does not create value by itself. But it becomes an effective means of communication when it embeds a strong culture. So it carries a cultural value. A strong culture also needs to find ways to penetrate to a greater public."

So this is what happens when an ancient culture meets modern technology. Beyond Space and Time will help satisfy worldwide curiosity, and arouse some more.

(CCTV October 13, 2008)