"The River of Wisdom" an ancient Chinese painting brought to life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdRIbCP4N4Q
This painting is a Chinese National Treasure which was displayed at the Chinese Pavilion for six months during the 2010 Shanghai Expo. There is a long line of people waiting (usually 3 or more hours). After the Expo, it was sent to Hong Kong for a one month display. Now you have the chance to see it in the comfort of your own home and don't have to fight the crowds. For those who had seen it either in Shanghai or HK, sit back and enjoy it one more time. The original painting was done centuries ago and have been reproduced in the following dynasties by famous artists due to its enormity and popularity. This is the latest animated version. Enjoy... November, 2010 by Roland Lim
"In the Shanghai World Expo 2010, the “Animated Version of the Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival” created by modern multimedia technology earns its reputation as the star exhibit in the China Pavilion. Projected on a giant screen of more than 120 metres long and 6 metres high, the picture shows its details with animation including moving people, running water, various kinds of goods being displayed for sale, boat trackers shouting on the river and boats swinging their ways forward. A vivid, artificial river meanders through the lower part of the giant picture, giving visitors a stunning experience and an illusion that they are staying in Bianjing, the capital of Northern Song Dynasty nine hundred years ago. This giant picture is called “River of Wisdom” because it depicts many cultural aspects demonstrating the wisdom of Chinese in ancient times.
The animated version of the picture is 30 times of its original scroll. Elaborate computer animation gives life to characters and objects in the painting. An integrated image is formed by several high resolution projectors using sophisticated computer geometric transformation and correction technology. The entire features of the original painting including all its streets, boats and buildings are retained in the animation. The scene is portrayed in day to night cycles lasting for four minutes with dramatic interplay of light and colour. It is indeed a masterpiece that blends state-of-the-art animation technology with traditional Chinese culture.
Additional elements of history, culture, art and education are incorporated in the exhibition. These include the introduction of the significance of the “Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival” in the Chinese culture and art, and the depiction of the production idea and process of its animated version. The exhibition facilitates visitors to learn more about the urban outlook, people’s daily life and the achievements in science and technology in Song Dynasty." source : http://www.qingmingriverside.hk/en/exhibition.htm