Nantong works to bring cultural relics to life

File photo: Nantong Museum in spring. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Vice-Mayor Yu Lizhong of Nantong, Jiangsu province, recently introduced the city's initiatives on leveraging museum resources to promote the mutual empowerment of culture with contemporary economic and social development at a press conference.

Nantong is known as the "Hometown of Museums". In 1905, Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a native of Nantong, established China's first public museum, Nantong Museum, marking the start of the museum industry in China. Today, the city has 33 registered museums, including 21 that are State-owned, reaching the goal of having at least one museum in every county.

Nantong is making every effort to bring cultural relics to life by developing digital and technological museums. Technologies such as naked-eye 3D and holographic projection are used to enhance the appeal of these relics. Celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Nantong Museum, the city will host various events next month, including an exhibition, a national museum directors' academic exchange and sharing session, and a national museum cultural and creative market. These events aim to provide a unique cultural experience for both citizens and tourists.

Currently, Nantong is concentrating on developing museum IP and scenario innovation. Efforts are in progress to upgrade and reimagine the Nantong Textile Museum, moving from traditional exhibit spaces to modern platforms. This shift aims to inspire creativity by blending the aesthetic heritage preserved in museums with contemporary design ideas. The new platform will combine textile culture displays, fashion launches, runway shows, and promotion of new textile materials.

A water bus will shuttle between museums and other scenic spots along the Haohe River, featuring a trial immersive live performance titled "Millennium Haohe River, Century-Long Harmony". This enables visitors to learn about the city's history at museums during the day and experience the scenic views on a nighttime river cruise.