For the first time, an ancient Chinese tradition has been refreshed using modern technology. The Journey Home takes the tradition of traveling home for family reunions during Chinese New Year and uses artificial intelligence to re-create the journey, virtually. With the use of an AI algorithm, the system is able to access Baidu Street View to recreate the journey from anywhere in China without the use of any additional external props (talents, vehicles, and other costs).

Baidu has one of the most extensive coverage throughout China via its Maps function. Its Street View feature retains a competitive edge over others because of its comprehensive coverage in over 1000 Chinese cities and 12,000 roads.

Baidu wants to showcase its powerful map feature. At the same time, its collaboration partner, Wang Lao Ji (a traditional Chinese drink) wants to refresh its brand image and stay relevant in the market.

Both found the opportunity during Chinese New Year where millions traditionally travel home for family reunion.

The Journey Home is a virtual recreation of the drive home, done via a compilation of Baidu Street View images. It is the virtual journey before the real journey, designed to create anticipation for family reunions. In China, only Baidu have the capabilities to recreate the entire road trip home virtually, thanks to its extensive Street View coverage.

The AI algorithm is able to generate over 3 million possible routes, and is smart enough to only select and use the most scenic ones.

14 December 2018 - Route strategy and program completed

4 January 2019 - Route grabbed and stored

11 January 2019 - Street View images retrieved and montaged

16 January 2019 - User Interface completed

16 January 2019 - Street View videos synthesized

17 January 2019 - Program ready

18 January 2019 - Debug and pressure test

25 January 2019 - Launch

Users only need to enter their starting point and destination. The system then uses GPS to plan each route. Street View images are then extracted and compiled and presented to the user using a series of time lapse videos.

The Journey Home gives the user a time-lapse video of the entire journey home, from any starting point to a destination point in China. It is important to note that China is a huge country and for a lot of people in the cities, going home doesn’t mean going back to another city, but more of to a village or a small provincial town.

For many, the journey takes 3 days or more on the road. Being able to anticipate the journey and to reflect on it is a feeling that is nostalgic to many.

In the long run, this is a showcase for Baidu Maps in China's crowded mapping service industry. While other brands uses 2D/3D graphics, Baidu is able to draw on its Street View to present almost any road in China, in real images.

On the other hand, a traditional brand like Wang Lao Ji is able to demonstrate its ability to resonate with the modern era and enhance its brand values.

The Journey Home was the most popular sharing during 2019’s Chinese New Year. Overall, over 4 million journeys were virtually created. There were over 6.5 million social media sharing during this period, proving, the best journeys are always the ones that bring us home.