Chinese museums see surge in visitors as passion for traditional culture grows

In recent years, Chinese museums embarked on a creative journey, seamlessly blending art, history and innovation. This fusion has revolutionized cultural products and created vibrant spaces that integrate various industries.

Museums are now breathing new life into their collections through creative products. Many museums in China have successfully developed items inspired by their exhibits, attracting an increasing number of visitors. Additionally, a new trend has emerged where museums collaborate with commercial companies to promote traditional culture across different fields.

Moreover, museum night tours are becoming a highlight of China's nighttime economy, offering a new dimension to cultural tourism.

In historical cities like Xi'an and Luoyang, it's common to see young people dressed in Hanfu taking photos at museums, historical sites and scenic areas.

Recently, museum-themed cafés and stores have proliferated across China, capturing the interest of the younger generation. For instance, the Shanghai History Museum has opened a coffee shop with historical decor, blending cultural heritage with contemporary tastes.

In 2023, China set a new record for museum attendance. Over 6,000 museums nationwide recorded a staggering 1.29 billion visits throughout the year, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

According to China's online travel agency Ctrip, people born in the 2000s constituted the third-largest group purchasing museum tickets in 2023, following those born in the 1980s and 1990s. Additionally, the amount of cultural and museum-themed tourist products purchased by young people born in the 2000s was 9.2 times the amount in 2022.