Visitors explore the exhibition on the theme of Tang Dynasty history and culture at Minhang Museum in Shanghai on March 21, 2025. 

Summer has heated up China’s already red-hot “museum fever,” with popular institutions requiring bookings weeks in advance. Museums are responding by extending their hours, adding nighttime openings, and providing tech-driven experiences designed to captivate younger visitors. 

There are over 100,000 museums globally, according to UNESCO data, with nearly 7,000 registered in China alone. 

Behind this “museum craze” lies an ever deepening bond between the public and traditional culture. Together with economic and social progress, we are witnessing a renaissance of China’s outstanding traditional culture. Today, there is an increasing interest in exploring the depths of Chinese civilization, the nation’s historical roots, and its innovative spirit through museum programs. 

Through artifact displays, immersive exhibitions, and educational programs, museums have ignited public curiosity about history and culture, by meeting surging demands for cultural enrichment. 

This cultural wave has also spurred museums to develop creative cultural products. From archaeological blind boxes to refrigerator magnets with artifacts-inspired motifs, these innovative cultural products blend traditional elements with modern aesthetics, standing out for artistic charm as well as practical use. They have become museums’ “golden keys” to go beyond traditional boundaries, helping viewers integrate content into their daily lives and serving as charismatic "ambassadors" for artifacts. 

To make history more accessible to visitors, many museums are also harnessing modern technology to breathe new life into artifacts. 3D projection brings static exhibits alive; AR glasses allow visitors to explore artifacts via voice commands and visual recognition; and intelligent lighting systems optimize display conditions based on the unique features of each artifact. These technological tools are helping to bridge the gap between the relics behind glass and the public. 

In this issue’s Special Report, we delve into why China’s museums continue to capture the nation’s imagination.