After three years in construction, the National Archives of Publications and Culture are set to open their doors. The project comprises archives in Beijing and three other branches. Officials say it can serve as a collective "gene bank" of Chinese culture. Huang Fei recently visited their Guangzhou branch. 

At the foot of the lush Phoenix Hill, a "Noah's Ark" of Chinese culture. These buildings will house up to 25 million pieces of national archives. From historic, cultural and scientific documents to audio records, tickets and stamps. The architecture itself is a cultural icon in its own right, designed by Guangdong's very own renowned architect He Jingtang.

HE JINGTANG Chief Architect, National Archives of Publications & Culture Guangzhou Branch "These buildings are permanent, and must embody Chinese tradition. There is a clear central axis here. Just like the Forbidden City and the Confucius family mansion. The layout is inspired by buildings in Chinese feudal society, so there is a line of ascendence from water to the mountains."

The central line symbolizes authority, and points to the Wenqin Pavilion. It's the main structure that will host archives and exhibitions over seven floors, but it's designed to look like a five-storey pagoda. It's a reference to one of Guangzhou's oldest landmarks dating back to the Ming Dynasty, over five hundreds years ago.

According to the architect, that's just one of the many balancing acts needed to create the perfect symmetry.

HUANG FEI Guangzhou "The Taoist pursuit of harmony between man and nature is engrained in the design of the National Archives. The entire compound was moved slightly to the east to make way for this tree, which is more than 200 years old. The dash of green, along with the water features and the pagoda-style building. The result is a Chinese painting come alive."

Putting thousands of years of history in one place is both a creative challenge, and a huge technological and infrastructural undertaking.

HE JINGTANG Chief Architect, National Archives of Publications & Culture Guangzhou Branch "My first challenge was to showcase Chinese culture through modern techniques. The second one was to make sure the main pavilion can host a permanent collection of culture. We had to insulate our buildings from humidity, fire, burglary and insects. Humidity is a big problem here in Guangdong, so we installed multiple layers of concrete and slabs. We need to make sure the seeds of our culture can be preserved forever."

Some of the archives will be placed in the public eye for educational purposes. Vinyl records were among the first on display – they are voices from the past century, inscribed on 129 selected discs.

LI XIAOPING Curator, National Archives of Publications and Culture "Vinyl records were introduced to China in the late 19th century and became an important vessel of Chinese music for the last 100 years. We recorded traditional works like Cantonese opera and folk tunes on them, and then spread them to the Chinese diaspora overseas. So it's a good way to promote Chinese culture. "

Moving through the times with classic folk tunes provides for a nostalgic experience. But what's on display here is China's growing cultural confidence, and now state-of-the-art facilities to carry it forth to many future generations.

Huang Fei, CGTN, Guangzhou.