In modern-day China, the construction of new museums is now on a path of rapid development. When visitors arrive at an exhibition, they can expect to experience far more than simply a visual feast.

CGTN's The Vibe host Julian Waghann has paid a visit to Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall Museum located in downtown Beijing, where the famous author once resided and completed his masterpiece "The Dream of Red Mansions."

Surrounded by skyscrapers, the museum is a courtyard residence nestled quietly amid the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. As soon as he entered the exhibition hall, Julian was captivated by a set of miniature figurines portraying the bustling street scenes in the neighborhoods surrounding Cao's former residence.

To make these scenes more lifelike and also to enrich the visitors' immersive experience, the exhibition hall has an auditory system that projects ambient sounds from the streets – from the commotion of hustling vendors and merchants to the neighs and grunts of horses and camels.

Aside from viewing the exhibits, visitors will also find the opportunity to dabble in creating chic traditional Chinese crafts at a DIY handicraft workshop. Julian was delighted to experience making traditional handicrafts under the guidance of a young teacher named Cui Yan.

"We have various programs here. For example, you can choose to make your own piece of cloisonne enamel," Cui recommended. There are a variety of DIY programs on offer at the museum, where visitors can create a gorgeous mother-of-pearl butterfly inlayed brooch, hand-drawn paper fans or even a painting of a Lord Rabbit.

Ms. Cui thinks she has benefited enormously from the ongoing development at the museum. "I've been fond of painting and traditional crafts since childhood. And I'm also encouraged by the deep integration of culture and tourism that has been taking place over the past few years. It has offered many new opportunities, including new career options," said Cui.

The Cao Xueqin Memorial Hall Museum, which opened to the public in late 2022 as a new tourist landmark in Beijing, serves as a prime example of the growth in cultural tourism across China.