Visitors participate in an interactive activity at the Tiantai Museum in Taizhou. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

Located in Tiantai county, Taizhou, Zhejiang province, the Tiantai Museum serves as a window into the county's history and culture.

Unlike typical museum structures, the Tiantai Museum is a sunken building that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. It spans 17,400 square meters and boasts more than 6,000 artifacts.

In 2021, the museum underwent a digital transformation, breaking free from traditional constraints. By shifting from static displays to interactive multimedia exhibits, the museum now offers a more immersive and engaging experience to visitors.

The entrance hall features a 360-degree panoramic screen symbolizing harmony and coexistence — the core of Hehe culture. "Usually, an exhibition begins with local history, but we present 10 culturally significant elements of Tiantai, such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Hehe culture, to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the county's cultural heritage right from the start," explained Chen Mian, the museum's director.

The museum also features the Cultural and Museum Workshop, which integrates cultural artifacts into daily life through activities, creating a dynamic and tangible experience for cultural exploration. 

"Since its opening in March 2022, we have held various activities every week around cultural relics, Tiantai's culture, and current trends," said Chen.

The workshop recently allowed visitors to try their hands at making monascus rice wine, offering them a deep dive into the craft and history of this provincial intangible cultural heritage item.

Chen emphasized that the workshop serves as an interactive cultural platform, bridging the gap between cultural heritage and public awareness.