An alliance of institutions of digitalization of cultural relics was recently formed in Beijing's Xicheng district. The alliance aims to use digital technologies to preserve cultural relics and present them through innovative methods.

A total of 15 organizations joined the alliance, including cultural institutions, media organizations, museums, and tech companies.

In recent years, Xicheng district has focused on revitalizing cultural relics and traditional architecture along with making progress in the application for Beijing Central Axis to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, said Li Jianxi, deputy head of Xicheng district. Through cooperation with all alliance members, Xicheng district will make innovate use of digital technologies and methods to promote the development of fine traditional culture, Li said.

Chairman of the China Cultural Relics Academy, Shan Jixiang, delivered a keynote speech on the role of digitalization in reviving cultural heritage, reviewing how the Palace Museum has utilized digital technologies to preserve cultural relics.

The alliance will introduce the first national non-profit platform specialized in digitalization of cultural relics, explore new sectors and approaches in this regard, channel resources, promote project-matching, and deliver shared benefits of cultural heritage preservation to the public.