Exploring the Past: A Look into Life During the Early Years of the PRC

Based on actual residences, the village house shown in the opening scene of The Gateway of Time serves as a symbolic representation of the real-life circumstances people faced during that era.

Exploring the Past: A Look into Life During the Early Years of the PRC
If you step into The Gateway of Time and immerse yourself as a northern Chinese farmer in 1955, you’ll want to set down your tools, enjoy some hot water, and take a moment to relax – it’s been a long day in the fields. Let the "kang," a type of heated bed, warm up the space as you take in the children's drawings decorating the walls.

These are the simple pleasures you can relish in The Gateway of Time, an interactive AR+AI tour showcasing conceptual Chinese homes. Developed by CN to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, this experience vividly illustrates how life has transformed over the decades.

Utilizing the innovative concept of time travel, The Gateway of Time takes you through homes representing three critical eras in the PRC: the initial years following its founding, the reform and opening-up period, and contemporary life.

Guided by an engaging narrator, you’ll explore these homes and discover macroeconomic indicators from each period, intertwined with a personal narrative centered around a character named Jianguo, whose story you’ll uncover.

The village house featured in the first scene is inspired by real dwellings and symbolically represents the lived experiences of people from that era.

Inside, you'll find a traditional heated platform called "kang" alongside farming tools indicating that this space belonged to a farmer. Scattered around are toys and utensils typical of that time, offering a glimpse into daily life.

The sturdy wooden stools, the subtle aroma of firewood, and the door adorned with garlic and chili peppers evoke a time when survival was a priority and hope intermingled with hardship.

In this setting, visitors can also learn about cloth coupons, essential for acquiring fabric for clothing during that challenging time. These coupons signify the scarcity of goods and government efforts to oversee resource distribution.

In 1955, a significant portion of the Chinese population resided in rural areas, with a notably low rate of urbanization. The majority were employed in primary industries, with GDP per capita at 150 yuan, while rural residents’ disposable income was less than half that amount.

This modest dwelling reflects the struggles and resilience of a generation responsible for laying the foundations of the nation. The journey serves as a poignant reminder of the progress China has made and the enduring spirit forged in homes like these. So, grab your phone, follow this link, and step into the experience – The Gateway of Time is ready for you!

Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News