Mingshui Ancient City — located in Jinan city in East China's Shandong province — is breaking new ground by blending cutting-edge digital art with its historic architecture.

Since June 28, a historic corridor within the scenic site has been transformed into a captivating outdoors digital art gallery.

The digital art exhibition's bright and breezy poster is put on the wall of Mingshui Ancient City. [Photo by Shi Xiaodan/Xinhuanghe app]

The display features a dozen of big AI-generated illustrations, each four to six meters high, fixed onto the centuries-old city wall.

Combining cyber-inspired light effects with traditional architecture, the artworks evoke themes from classical Chinese poetry — creating a unique dialogue between history and innovation.

This vibrant digital artwork is in striking contrast to the ancient backdrop. [Photo by Shi Xiaodan/Xinhuanghe app]

Visitors have praised the exhibition for its immersive and transformative atmosphere. Wang Lin, a visitor from China's Northwest Shaanxi province, described it as a "time-travel experience" that seamlessly connects the past with the future.

The artist behind the work, Li Yang, is a leading figure in AI-driven visual art with exhibitions at prestigious venues like the Louvre in Paris and at London Design Festival, in the UK capital city. He emphasizes that AI is a powerful creative tool that enhances artistic expression and reshapes how artists think.

To enrich the visitor experience, professional photography guidance and styling advice are offered — inviting guests to become active participants in the exhibition.

At the same time, an exhibition of Shandong's university students and art market opened at a nearby gallery called Artbase, displaying nearly 100 works from 10 universities.

The event highlights Mingshui Ancient City's commitment to fostering youth creativity and cultural vitality.

A young student concentrates intently on her work. [Photo/ Shi Xiaodan/Xinhuanghe app]

By integrating technology, heritage and youth culture, Mingshui Ancient City is said to be creating a dynamic cultural space that honors tradition while embracing innovation.