After three years of construction, China's National Archives of Publications and Culture is set to open. It comprises archives in Beijing and three other centers. Officials say it can serve as a collective "gene bank" of Chinese culture, housing the nation's most treasured archives – from historic, cultural and scientific documents to audio records, tickets and stamps.

The Guangzhou branch is an architectural icon in its own right, inspired by Taoist philosophies and the city's oldest landmarks. CGTN reporter Huang Fei recently visited the compound to see where the "seeds" of Chinese culture will be permanently stored.