Background
The Chinese Cultural Center in Ulan Bator opened a month-long virtual reality exhibition on 29 May 2026 titled "China's Deep Space and Lunar Exploration." Organised by the center's director Li Zhi, who also serves as a counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, the exhibition forms part of a wider programme of scientific and cultural diplomacy connecting China's space programme achievements with Mongolian audiences.
The Deployment
More than 100 teachers and students from primary and secondary schools across Mongolia attended the opening ceremony. Wearing VR headsets, visitors explored panoramic simulated lunar landscapes and experienced walking on the moon in an immersive environment. The experience also allows visitors to virtually interact with the Chang'e probe and the Yutu lunar rover, grounding the narrative in documented Chinese space missions.
AI-Powered Guide
A custom non-player character (NPC) named "Chinese Panda" serves as an interactive AI guide throughout the lunar journey. Through conversations with this virtual character, visitors learn about aerospace science in a format designed for school-age audiences, integrating conversational AI into the VR environment to enhance educational engagement.
Companion Programme
The VR exhibition launched alongside a photo exhibition on the same theme and an aerospace-themed Chinese language corner. Through language learning, interactive exchanges, and science outreach, the wider initiative aims to deepen Mongolian youth's understanding of China's achievements in space exploration while promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.
