A Study on the Immersive VR Translation Design of Classical Texts from the Perspective of Embodied Cognition Theory: A Case Study of Zaojing

Abstract

 Classical landscape texts construct an Eastern aesthetics of realm-making through expressive writing. Their fusion of scene and emotion creates an artistic conception marked by ambiguity, negative space, and emotional metaphor. Traditional reading relies on the audience’s one-way imagination, which can lead to shallow experience and homogenized cognition. To achieve the precise revitalization and immersive translation of classical textual artistic conception, this study takes embodied cognition theory as its core framework. It integrates modern design theories, including immersive experience design, digital semiotic translation, environmental storytelling, and emergent narrative design. Supported by VR technology, the study uses the original project Zaojing as its primary practice-based case. It explores innovative design pathways for the digital realm-making of classical texts. Using The Story of the Little Stone Pond as the textual carrier, this study constructs a VR translation design system for classical texts. The system is organized around four dimensions: theoretical coupling logic, text-tracing interaction mechanisms, dual-ending emergent narrative construction, and immersive scene implementation. It follows the design logic of “theoretical empowerment—semiotic translation—interaction-driven experience—narrative sublimation.” The project translates textual symbols into a four-dimensional dynamic aesthetic space through differentiated text-tracing interactions. It also adopts a dual-ending structure that combines the original narrative with a secondary creative narrative. In addition, its open-ended emergent narrative design expands the interpretive possibilities of the text. This approach breaks away from the single paradigm of digitally replicating classical texts. Through a complete practice-based project, this research verifies the feasibility of the proposed design logic. It offers an implementable and extensible design paradigm for immersive classical literature design, Chinese-style digital realm-making, digital applications in Chinese classics education, and the upgrading of immersive cultural tourism experiences.