Students try assembling pottery at Hongshan Site Museum. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
Hongshan Site Museum, a cultural gem in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, newly upgraded with smart technology, is bringing ancient Wu Culture to life.
As visitors step into the exhibition hall, they are greeted by a breathtaking 14-meter-long light-and-shadow relief wall. Powered by state-of-the-art 3D mapping technology, it gradually unveils the vast landscapes of the ancient Wu and Yue states from over 1,000 years ago, instantly immersing audiences in the turbulent yet captivating Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770–221 BC).
At the heart of the hall lies a crystal-clear electronic sand table. With just a simple touch, the geographical evolution and grand layout of the entire archaeological site come into sharp focus.
Adding a playful touch are interactive mini-games tucked away in the corners. Both children and adults can try their hand at assembling pottery, indulging in the thrill of being an archaeologist for a day.
Meanwhile, AI-powered digital guides and AR tour options stand ready to share intriguing stories and little-known tales behind the artifacts in a personalized, one-on-one manner.
The museum has also introduced the Rokid AR smart tour service. By wearing a pair of specially designed AR glasses, visitors can freely navigate through virtual spaces and interact seamlessly with AI using intuitive gestures and voice commands.
Chimes are on display at Hongshan Site Museum. [Photo/Wuxi Daily]
Built on the original site of a grand aristocratic tomb from the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), the museum's architectural design resembles a curved bow — a tribute to the heroic spirit of the Wu-Yue rivalry. As visitors walk along the glass walkways inside, they can gaze down into the original tomb pit, experiencing a profound sense of awe, as if stepping directly onto an active archaeological dig.
One of the most unforgettable experiences awaits in the underground music vault, where over 400 pieces of primitive celadon and hard pottery musical instruments are on display. Gazing at the complete sets of bronze bells and chimes, visitors can almost picture the opulent banquets of nobility from more than 2,000 years ago.
Thanks to digital restoration technology, guests can even "play" these ceramic instruments on screens and listen to the echoes of ancient Jiangnan music reverberating across millennia.
Opening hours: 9 am-4:30 pm every Tuesday to Sunday (closed every Monday except holidays)
Ticket price: Free
Address: No 200 Feifeng Road, Hongshan subdistrict, Xinwu district, Wuxi (无锡市新吴区鸿山街道飞凤路200号)
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