Modernizing cultural richness

The size of Hubei Provincial Museum more than doubled from 50,000 square meters in 2012 to 110,000 sq m in order to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

The museum in Wuhan is known for its collection of bronzeware, and a series of curated archaeology shows in recent years attracted millions of visitors, most of whom were young people.

To attract more people, the museum applies the latest technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, to offer an immersive experience. Fang livestreamed a show online in July about an archaeology site dating back to the prehistoric era. It attracted about 10 million viewers.

Fang says visiting museums has become a routine leisure activity, just like going to cinemas. He would never imagine it being such a popular pastime a decade ago.

The report, regarded as a guide for the culture sector, calls for "a modernization of material and cultural-ethical advancement", which, Fang says, requires museums to provide better services and shows to enrich people's cultural life.