Leading the way

Separately, technology has become a new tool used by the museum to preserve its antiques, the curator says. And, between 2014 and 2016, the museum invested 10 million yuan to equip itself with state-of-the-art monitors for humidity, temperature, air and light to safeguard its 200,000 pieces.

Speaking about the future, curator Chen says: "We are keenly aware of the challenges for the museum.

He adds that with the advent of the digital era and new media the museum is studying ways to use the new technologies.

On the funding issue, Chen says that many countries allow tax deductions or rebates to those who fund museum activities, but China does not have such policies.