Preserving Wuhan’s Century-Old Lifen Alleys: 100 Million Gaussian Splats in 28 Days, Powered by 3D Gaussian Technology

Equipped with the PortalCam 3D spatial camera, our team walked slowly through narrow alleys. Every detail—the mottled brick walls, carved wooden windows, fading inscriptions on lintels, and even the moss on corners—was precisely transformed into a permanent digital record.

In Wuhan, a city where history and modernity intertwine, there exists a unique form of traditional residential architecture known as the Lifen. These neighborhoods emerged after Hankou was opened as a trading port, representing a precious fusion of Chinese and Western architectural cultures. They carry a century of urban memories and community spirit.

Yet, amid rapid urban renewal, many historic districts that embody the city’s identity have been demolished or lost their authenticity. Preserving these century-old Lifenand maintaining their cultural continuity has become a vital challenge.

In October of this year, in collaboration with the Hubei Cultural and Creative Industry Association and Hubei University of Technology, Tianbaonet brought the PortalCam—a cutting-edge 3D spatial camera for cultural tourism digitization—into more than ten of Wuhan’s historic Lifen, including Sandeli, Taixingli, and Tongxingli. The mission: create an "everlasting digital archive" for these old neighborhoods and bring dormant history back to life.

The Key to "Rebirth" in Urban Renewal​

Accurate documentation is the first step in preserving historical architecture. Traditional imaging fails to capture spatial texture, while conventional surveying is time-consuming and often misses fine details. The PortalCam has transformed this process.

As a core product of Tianbaonet’s smart cultural tourism solutions, the PortalCam integrates SLAM and 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) technologies. By simultaneously processing LiDAR and image data, it captures every spatial detail and generates a true 1:1 high-precision 3D model.

Inside the narrow alleys, technicians simply walk through naturally while holding the device. Over 100 million Gaussian splats accurately record textures, carvings, inscriptions, and even subtle moss growth—transforming physical reality into lasting digital information.

The PortalCam also brings unprecedented efficiency: work that used to take days is now completed in hours. Generating a 3D model from a 5-minute scan takes only 50–75 minutes—increasing efficiency by 80% compared to traditional methods.

With its lightweight design and user-friendly operation, high-precision digital replication is no longer limited to large-scale projects. It adapts easily to the complex layout of the Lifen.

Digital Archiving: Giving Lifen a "Timeless" Future​

Through digital archiving with the PortalCam, Wuhan’s century-old Lifennow live on in the digital world. These high-fidelity 3D models not only provide a scientific basis for restoration but also open new possibilities for cultural tourism and global outreach.

• Immersive Cultural Experiences:​ Using the digital models, multi-platform touring systems can be developed. Visitors can explore these historic alleys through VR headsets or mobile devices, experiencing the unique blend of architectural styles and community life.
• New Channels for Cultural Dissemination:​ The digital assets can be integrated into NFTs, interactive installations, and other immersive formats—enabling these cultural treasures to be shared across the world, beyond physical and temporal boundaries.
• A New Standard in Heritage Restoration:​ Detailed 3D models offer precise references for restoration projects, reducing the need for physical inspections and improving both the efficiency and accuracy of repairs.

Where century-old Lifenmeet digital innovation, the PortalCam captures what fading memories cannot hold. It’s more than technical surveying—it’s a conversation with time itself. As hundreds of millions of Gaussian splats replace vanishing urban traces, technology is building a permanent backup of our civilization.

As a pioneer in smart cultural tourism technology, Tianbaonet believes in the power of innovation to preserve heritage. Moving forward, we will continue to advance spatial intelligence technologies—breathing digital life into historic districts, monuments, and traditional villages, ensuring cultural heritage lives on today and for generations to come.