On the morning of December 3rd, visitors to the National Museum of China (NMC) in Beijing were greeted by long lines well before 8:30 AM. Among the eager crowd, many were there for the museum's popular cultural merchandise: a refrigerator magnet modeled after the "Phoenix Crown," a symbol of imperial China. The product, inspired by the "Empress Dowager Phoenix Crown" from the Ming Dynasty, quickly became a sensation, selling over 530,000 units by late November.
What makes this seemingly simple souvenir so special is its craftsmanship. The large and intricate crown design required detailed handwork, with beads meticulously strung one by one. As NMC's Deputy Director of Operations, Liao Fei (廖飞), explained, the magnet's popularity is a testament not just to the ingenuity of modern design but also to the appeal of traditional Chinese culture.
For many visitors, the magnet serves as an introduction to the deeper stories embedded in China's vast cultural history. "We hope that people who are drawn to our cultural products will visit our exhibits and develop a greater appreciation for Chinese artifacts," said Liao. The success of the Phoenix Crown magnet shows that cultural creativity can spark curiosity and lead to more meaningful engagement with the nation's heritage.
A Revitalized Museum Experience
Upon entering the "Ancient China" exhibition hall at the NMC, one can see firsthand how traditional culture is thriving in the digital age. Crowds gather around a display of the actual Phoenix Crown, which serves as a key artifact in the exhibit. This reinforces the symbiotic relationship between modern cultural products and historical treasures. The connection between the two enhances the appeal of both: the Phoenix Crown magnet draws attention to the historical crown, while the crown itself adds value to the merchandise.
The "Ancient China" exhibition, which showcases over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, is one of the most popular exhibits at the museum. On the day of the interview, students from Shunyi (顺义) District's Eighth Middle School were also present, participating in a unique educational activity called "Seven for One," designed to enrich their understanding of Chinese history. Zhang Jingwen (张竞文), an eighth-grade student, expressed her amazement at seeing artifacts she had only read about in history books come to life. "It's very interesting to see them in person," she remarked. "Even though the artifacts are silent, they carry the weight of history within them."
The NMC's educational outreach programs have seen remarkable success. In 2023 alone, the museum hosted over 1,000 study sessions for middle school students from various districts in Beijing, such as Haidian (海淀) and Fengtai (丰台), serving more than 30,000 students. These programs aim to inspire a deeper understanding of Chinese culture among the younger generation, encouraging them to engage with the nation's rich historical legacy.
In recent years, the National Museum of China has become a leader in integrating cutting-edge technology into the preservation and research of its collections. The museum's efforts have led to groundbreaking studies and new insights into ancient artifacts. One example is the "Wisdom of the Rhinoceros" exhibition, where advanced X-ray fluorescence imaging and X-ray inspection were used to analyze the material composition and decorative patterns of ancient rhinoceros-shaped bronzes from the Warring States and Western Han periods.
These modern, non-destructive techniques allowed researchers to reconstruct detailed patterns of gold and silver inlays on the artifacts, providing valuable insights into the craftsmanship of the time. The use of such technology not only helps preserve fragile relics but also allows for a deeper understanding of ancient production methods and artistic expression, blending the best of tradition and innovation.
In another significant development, the NMC has continued to invest heavily in the conservation of its vast collection. For example, when a collection of items related to the experience of Chinese students studying abroad in the United States during the early years of the People's Republic was donated to the museum, the NMC quickly mobilized resources to research and preserve these historical materials. This collection, including a photo of Chinese students aboard the "President Cleveland" ship in 1950, is a key visual representation of the return of these students who went on to become leaders in China's academic and technological fields. The museum's ongoing research into this period of history is a prime example of its role as a guardian of national memory.
An Unprecedented Growth in Visitorship
The NMC's recent successes are reflected in its soaring visitor numbers. As of November 2024, the museum had welcomed over 6.3 million visitors, with daily attendance averaging more than 20,000 people—a 10% increase from the previous year. During peak seasons, such as the summer holidays, the museum's 26,000 tickets often sell out in record time, with nearly 1.6 million reservations made for special exhibitions. This surge in popularity is attributed to multiple factors, including growing public interest in Chinese cultural heritage and the museum's innovative efforts to merge culture and tourism.
The National Museum's ability to attract such large crowds also reflects its role in shaping national cultural pride. As one of China's most prominent institutions, the NMC plays a pivotal role in the country's mission to strengthen its cultural confidence. By blending traditional exhibits with modern technologies and educational outreach, the museum provides a unique, dynamic experience that resonates with visitors from all walks of life.
At 112 years old, the National Museum of China continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. Its efforts to preserve, exhibit, and interpret China's past not only enrich the nation's cultural heritage but also contribute to a greater global understanding of Chinese civilization. The integration of traditional craft and cutting-edge technology has allowed the museum to present its treasures in new and exciting ways, making them more accessible and engaging than ever before.
As the museum looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission: safeguarding China's cultural legacy while fostering a deeper connection between the public and the nation's history. Through innovation and dedication, the NMC is helping to shape a new era of cultural engagement that celebrates both the ancient and the modern, ensuring that China's history continues to inspire future generations.
