Taicang Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]

May 18 marked International Museum Day, and on the eve of the occasion, Taicang Museum came alive with a mix of cultural experiences that connected history with everyday life.

On May 17, the museum's cultural market drew continuous crowds to its stalls showcasing handmade crafts of intangible cultural heritage. Visitors actively engaged in interactive experiences, while the cultural and creative product zone saw a surge in purchases, reflecting strong enthusiasm for museum-inspired goods.

A public artifact appraisal activity was also held. Collectors brought in family heirlooms and two specialists provided detailed evaluations and explained complex historical knowledge in accessible language.

In the library lecture hall, Professor Qi Haining delivered a talk centered on archaeological discoveries related to Zheng He's voyages to the Western Seas. Focusing on the representative Maritime Silk Road heritage sites across Jiangsu, he reconstructed a grand historical narrative of global connectivity through material evidence.

A docent explains Zheng He's voyages to a group of students at Taicang Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]

As night fell, the museum transformed into a lively cultural stage, where traditional drumming, pipa performances, and street dance came together in dynamic harmony.

Taicang Museum has increasingly used cultural relics as a bridge connecting diverse civilizations. From exploring Zheng He's voyages that linked the world, to presenting the cultural history of multi-ethnic regions, and documenting China-Germany interactions, the museum continues to use heritage storytelling to promote openness, inclusiveness, and shared cultural appreciation.

The museum is also committed to unlocking its contemporary relevance. Archaeological findings and academic research have been transformed into engaging educational programs and public lectures, planting seeds of curiosity in younger generations.

In addition, Taicang Museum is embracing digital transformation. Through virtual exhibitions, 3D displays, and online showcases, it is making cultural heritage more accessible and inclusive, and ensuring broader public access to shared cultural resources.