Old televisions and an aging electric air fan are displayed at the Jianghai Folk Collection Museum. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

The Jianghai Folk Collection Museum, nestled in Zhonghe village, Tongzhou district, Nantong, stands as a living history book, quietly chronicling the passage of time.

Wu Weihua, 47, the museum's owner, previously spent more than 20 years working with a team of professional renovators in Shanghai. He recalls enjoying a prosperous life but also feeling that something was missing. The sweeping landscapes of his hometown and the cherished relics from his childhood kept tugging at his heartstrings.

Every time he went home for a visit, and witnessed the destruction or neglect of those nostalgic items, he said he would be filled with a profound sense of regret. This deep-seated affection and sense of duty toward preserving objects from the past set him on the path to becoming a collector.

Old picture books are showcased at the Jianghai Folk Collection Museum. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Since 2017, Wu has devoted himself to gathering old objects scattered throughout Nantong. His quest for these treasures has taken him far and wide, even as far as the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Over the past eight years, his passion for these artifacts has only grown, with his collection now boasting over 5,000 pieces.

With such a vast collection, establishing a museum was a natural next step. Last October, Wu invested over 1 million yuan ($143,813.15) to create this 600-square-meter museum. Stepping inside feels like a journey back through time, with old televisions, enamel cups, thermos bottles, picture books, and abacuses meticulously arranged, each piece resonating with the charm of yesteryear.

Visitors appreciate the exhibit at the Jianghai Folk Collection Museum. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

The museum has since garnered much attention, attracting offers from buyers and requests from film crews to rent items. However, Wu has turned down all offers, saying, "I collect to help people remember these old objects and the history they carry, not to make money."

"My hope is for the museum to serve as a bridge between the past and the future, allowing more people to easily access and experience these memories, thus promoting the preservation and development of our cultural heritage," Wu said.

He acknowledges that safeguarding and passing down these old objects is a long-term challenge, but said he remains committed to preserving history, memories and cultural treasures.