Abstract
Empowered by the Internet and digital technology, Chinese cultural heritage can intuitively convey its historical stories and share its esthetic art with online users via “social + intelligence + sharing.” Using a survey (N = 783) and semi structured interview (N = 20), adapting and extending the theoretical framework of
the third space
and
interactive ritual chain
, this paper analyzes online users’ perceptions, emotions, and actions toward digital Chinese cultural heritage. The results indicate that the technology-enabled communication of digital cultural heritage can construct a kind of
third cultural space
(immersion & interculturality) where the interactive ritual chain can continuously drive and superimpose online users’ emotional energy. Such emotional energy is a kind of common human emotion that can transcend nationalities. During this process, traditional Chinese culture, popular culture, and global culture are connected.