Museums across China launched various featured exhibitions and activities, treating visitors with a cultural feast, as visiting museums has become a trend during the week-long National Day holiday starting on Oct 1.
The National Museum of China in Beijing launched a themed exhibition titled "The Red Flag Unfurled Like a Painting" to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).
The exhibition, including a 3D dynamic display of China's national flag for the first time, explores exciting stories about the nation's growth and strength behind the red flags from different periods.
"The red flag serves as the central theme of this exhibition and establishes the narrative logic of the displays. We present red flags from different periods, including the democratic revolution period, the first [five-star] red flag at the founding ceremony of the PRC, as well as the period after the founding of the PRC such as the period of socialist construction, reform and opening up, and the new era," said Huang Li, a research librarian and a curator of the National Museum of China.
The Jinsha Site Museum in southwest China's Chengdu City stages a nighttime performance during the National Day holiday, allowing visitors from across the country to experience a journey to ancient Shu civilization dating back about 3,000 years. By taking advantage of the museum's collection of cultural relics, the performance guides visitors to seven locations in the museum including both outdoor areas and exhibition halls, creating a tailored experience for museumgoers.
"[The performance] is immersive, allowing us to experience a sense of time travel, as if we are engaged in a dialogue with cultural relics and history," said a visitor surnamed Wang.
At China Nanhai (South China Sea) Museum in south China's Hainan Province, visitors can wear VR glasses and follow the guidance of archaeological experts to watch the details of cultural relics.
In southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Baiheliang Underwater Museum, dubbed by the UNESCO as "the first underwater museum accessible without diving in the world," also attracts visitors with its unique visiting experience.
Tourists can explore the archaeological site of Baiheliang through a underwater pressure-resistant corridor, as well as visit the exhibition hall on the second floor of the museum to learn about the scientific and cultural significance of stone ridge inscriptions of Baiheliang as well as the construction process of the underwater museum.
Chinese revel in culture feast at museums during National Day holiday
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
