Teachers can vividly explain archaeological or historical knowledge in virtual spaces without being restricted by time and space. They can also get field-excavation practice.

One of the advantages of VR is its absolute security. It doesn't damage relics or threaten personal safety.

"This is a major innovation in the teaching methods and concepts of archaeology," Ma says.

Xi Tongyuan, head of the laboratory and a teacher of the School of Cultural Heritage of Northwest University, says that his school planned to introduce archaeology, relics protection and other courses into the system.

"In fact, not only archaeology but also geology, history and other disciplines can use this to enrich teaching," Xi says.

The laboratory makes full use of the advantages of Northwest University in the fields of archaeology, geographic information and computer science.

It extracts and condenses the existing technologies and achievements, draws extensively on the latest research results of digital cultural-heritage protection at home and abroad, and further improves the level of Northwest University in heritage protection and research.

Contact the writer at luhongyan@chinadaily.com.cn