The digital age is presenting new possibilities for the revival of traditional cultures. For example, mythical creatures from the ancient Chinese classic Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas), such as Qiongqi, Dijiang and Nine-tailed Fox, have made a comeback in new forms in online literature, Chinese and international visual media, and online games. Supported by the Sin Wai Kin Foundation Limited, the Research Institute for Digital Culture and Humanities (RIDCH) embarked on a three-year research project titled Chinese Mythology in the Digital Age last year.

 “The research applies transdisciplinary methods to compare ancient and modern representations of Chinese mythology in order to examine how different digital media reappropriate and employ Chinese mythology. We also expect this research to open up new directions in the area of study and build a community of scholars,” says RIDCH Director Dr Kaby Kung Wing-sze. The project's research objectives include exploring how Chinese myths, legends and folktales are reinvented in digital culture, and how this revived interest in Chinese mythology helps bridge the past and the future and connect China with the rest of the world, reshape the cultural identity of China's digital generation and foster the development of the digital economy and cultural industries. In terms of educational and social impacts, the research team hopes that the research outcomes will enhance the younger generation's understanding and recognition of traditional Chinese culture and nurture local talent with multicultural perspectives and cross-media visions.