An exhibition in Xi'an offers audiences an immersive experience of the painted sculpture art of Shuilu'an Temple in Lantian county, near Shaanxi's provincial capital. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Beyond the Form Realm, an exhibition that has just opened in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, transforms the historical depth and cultural richness of a temple first built in the late sixth century, into an immersive experience combining photography, digital installations and 3D modeling.

An exhibition in Xi'an offers audiences an immersive experience of the painted sculpture art of Shuilu'an Temple in Lantian county, near Shaanxi's provincial capital.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Running through Sept 9 at the Xi'an Chanba Silk Road International Culture and Art Center, the exhibition explores the turbulent history of Shuilu'an Temple in Lantian county near Xi'an, through over 100 artworks. The immersive presentation brings to life the temple's remarkable collection of some 3,700 vivid Buddhist statues, crafted over the centuries since its establishment.

An exhibition in Xi'an offers audiences an immersive experience of the painted sculpture art of Shuilu'an Temple in Lantian county, near Shaanxi's provincial capital.[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The exhibition grew out of a project by members of the School of Design and Arts at Beijing Institute of Technology, in collaboration with artists and historians, and is supported by the China National Arts Fund for 2025. It began touring nationwide in 2025 with Xi'an serving as its final stop.