New year, new approach

The director says that this year, the Henan Museum is increasing efforts to protect cultural relics by implementing a "technology +" strategy that blends technology with cultural preservation and will build a modern research center for protection that's both smart and effective.

"We plan to host over 40 exhibitions this year, including ones that showcase folkloric treasures, Han portraits, and ancient inscriptions, in addition to collaborative exhibitions with other museums in the province," he says.

The museum will also continue cultural exchanges by hosting exhibitions like Between Heaven and Earth in Hong Kong, and Dialogue between the Chinese and Arab Civilizations in the United Arab Emirates.

On the educational front, they're expanding their outreach with over 1,000 offline educational activities and are also strengthening partnerships with schools to offer engaging programs, such as tours focusing on ancient capitals and cultural heritage sites, he adds.

On March 1, the Henan Museum and Xuchang city, Henan province, joined forces in a significant move. The Xuchang City Museum officially became the Henan Museum Xuchang Branch. The collaboration strengthens efforts to preserve cultural heritage, plan exhibitions, and develop cultural products.

As part of this partnership, items from the museum's popular "Encounter with Henan" cultural brand are available in Xuchang. Now, visitors to the Xuchang City Museum can purchase a variety of cultural products such as the blind box series, Jun porcelain figures, figurines of ancient women musicians, plush toys, and stationery.

"In future, the Henan Museum will also set up branches in county-level museums," Ma says. The initiative is an effort by the museum to support smaller museums, foster mutual development and enhance the integration of culture and tourism.

"In the new year, the Henan Museum will focus on creating a world-class museum with Chinese characteristics, continue to come up with innovative exhibition methods to make artifacts more vivid and accessible, and enhance the influence of Chinese civilization (through more international exchanges). We aim to better integrate the achievements of cultural relic protection and their utilization into daily life and serve the people," he says.

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn