In honor of International Museum Day, the cultural and tourism bureau of Shinan district in Qingdao devised imaginative methods for museum visitation on May 16. Shinan is distinguished for its emphasis on preserving cultural history, boasting 22 registered museums, six of which hold national third-grade status, a distinction placing Shinan among the city's most prestigious districts.

Of note, nine of these institutions are privately owned, with the district achieving an international benchmark of one museum per 22,100 residents. In 2022, these museums received 1.3 million yuan ($185,640) in funds, contributing to a 100 percent free opening rate. Total visitors to Shinan museums exceeded 2.3 million, drawing 1.36 million participants in over 1,200 temporary exhibits and cultural events.

This year, Shinan introduced 27 activities spanning six categories, including museum tours, cultural and creative releases, thematic exhibitions, and research initiatives, generating a festive environment. Accordingly, several museums, such as the German Governor's Mansion Museum, waived admission fees.

On May 18, a four-day International Museum Day Passport event commenced under the theme "Safeguarding the Future". At the heart of this collaboration amongst 17 Shinan museums, including the Qingdao Folk Museum and Kang's Mansion Residence Memorial Hall, lay the distribution of uniquely numbered stamps and commemorative passports.

Ultimately, the event's fusion of historical, cultural, and educational components infused new life into the district's cultural tourism sector.

A visitor poses for photos at a museum in Qingdao. [Photo/Guanhai News]