Hangzhou's use of AR sets new precedent for gala events

It started from the Kongming Lanterns at the beginning to the digital fireworks and digital torchbearer in the end, which all marked as historic firsts and demonstrated Hangzhou's commitment to staging an environmentally friendly Asian Games. 

In between there were the vivid display of the three mascots through naked-eye three-dimensional technology, a stunning dual dance performance in the air, which marked the first application of 3D dual aerial performance technology in a major stadium, and the skillful use of AR that literally brought water into life.

Sha said the arrival of the era of artificial intelligence has added numerous technological means to the opening and closing ceremonies of large-scale sports events.

"You saw a little of this during the closing ceremony at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Now we have matured in our techniques and creativity," Sha said. "It was fully a part of the performance and brought things like water to life."

According to Sha, many of the AR scenes seen on stage were part of the additions in the past two months.

"We were constantly improving and making tweaks to make things better," Sha said. "I think it (the opening ceremony) exceeded our expectations."