Digital Storytelling in Virtual Reality: Bridging the Virtual and Reality in Cultural Tourism at the Great Bay Area

The Chinese tourism economy requires recovery following the impact of COVID-19 and seeks to attract international tourists to visit China. This study leverages Virtual Reality (VR) technology to create a virtual tour that entices international users to engage in immersive virtual exploration. The primary objective is to use this virtual project as a bridge between the virtual and real worlds, motivating tourists to consider visiting Chinese sightseeing. Our analysis suggests that creating an appealing first impression is crucial, which involves utilizing beautiful scenery to captivate tourists. The study meticulously designs the virtual environment based on floor plans and relevant documents. To enhance the participation of tourists, we implement a variety of interactive elements, categorized into three primary aspects: Collections' Interaction, Navigation and Storytelling, and Connecting Modules. By combining these elements, this study aspires to contribute significantly to cultural heritage tourism by enticing international users into virtual exploration and inspiring them to embark on real-world journeys to experience the rich cultural heritage of China firsthand.