Nantong Museum. [Photo/Nantong Museum]

The Nantong Museum in Jiangsu province reopened to the public on Dec 18, unveiling a revitalized and modernized appearance.

Originally founded in 1905 by Zhang Jian (1853-1926), a distinguished patriot, industrial magnate, educator, and philanthropist, the museum pioneered an innovative model integrating museum spaces with garden landscapes. This unique approach has established the museum as a landmark in the evolution of Chinese museum culture.

In celebration of its 120th anniversary, the Nantong Museum has undergone comprehensive renovations and upgrades. Nearly 1,200 cultural relics and specimens in the main exhibition area narrate the rich tapestry of Jianghai Culture, while over 800 artifacts in the historical section recreate the museum's early days. The garden area has been transformed to feature 10 new scenic spots, infusing new vitality into this century-old institution.

Natural hall of Nantong Museum. [Photo/Nantong Museum]

The newly updated natural hall, themed around Nantong's biological resources, highlights the region's unique natural and biological diversity.

On the first floor, visitors can explore unique species from the Yellow Sea and the Yangtze River basin, including the blue whale, Chinese sturgeon, and finless porpoise. The second floor showcases Nantong's distinctive forest wildlife, such as the sika deer, yellow muntjac, and raccoon dogs, alongside rare migratory birds from the coastal mudflats, like the black-faced spoonbill, pied avocet, and Eurasian curlew. In total, the natural hall features over 110 specimens.

From Dec 18 to 31, the museum's new exhibition area will extend its hours, staying open until 8 pm. Additionally, the museum will remain open to the public on Mondays, which were previously designated as closed days.