Ever wondered what treasures lay hidden within the walls of a former university building? Right here, at the South China Agricultural Museum in Guangzhou, a captivating story unfolds. The South China Agricultural Museum resides within a historic building, originally constructed in 1935. This building first served as a dormitory for faculty members of National Zhongshan University, later becoming the university library, then an administrative building, and finally, the museum it is today. In 2002, the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government recognized its historical value and designated it as one of the protected buildings within the “Zhongshan University Stone Plaque Old Site Building Complex.” The South China Agricultural Museum itself opened its doors to the public in November 2019.
The South China Agricultural Museum holds over 10,000 artifacts, a testament to the rich agricultural history of South China and beyond. The museum showcases eight permanent exhibition halls and temporary exhibition halls, covering a display area of approximately 3,500 square meters. These exhibits offer a glimpse into Guangdong’s agricultural civilization, from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can explore the world of traditional farming tools, marvel at the diversity of soil and rock formations, and delve into the fascinating worlds of plants, animals, and insects. The museum also houses special collections such as fossilized rice and artifacts from the Li ethnic group. Examples of distinctive southern Chinese farming tools include treadmills, grain ships, single-wood plows, and harvesting knives. Other highlights include specimens of local plants and animals like hanging green vines, yellow sandalwood, the South China tiger, macaques, and golden Kaiserihind butterflies.
The museum’s exhibits highlight the diversity and conservation efforts of tropical and subtropical agricultural ecological resources. The South China Agricultural Museum is more than just a museum. It’s a vital educational resource, assisting university students with their specialized coursework and serving as an important site for ideological and political education. The museum also serves as a venue for Party branch activities and freshman orientation programs. By 2023, the South China Agricultural Museum had welcomed over 45,000 visitors. The museum played a role in supporting university students in 75 specialized courses, with over 7,600 individuals participating in practical teaching activities. Additionally, it hosted over 38,000 visitors from Guangzhou’s primary and secondary schools and other social organizations.
The South China Agricultural Museum also boasts a rich digital presence. It utilizes various information systems for managing its collections, including digital archives, audio-visual archives, and fixed asset management systems. The museum also utilizes cloud platforms and data backup systems. Furthermore, the museum has embraced virtual reality technology. It has used panoramic filming, 3D modeling, and motion capture techniques to create a virtual museum experience. This “cloud museum” allows visitors to experience the exhibits in a whole new, immersive way. The museum has also developed educational materials, including books like “Agricultural Voices, Agricultural Affairs: Interesting Scientific Stories of the South China Agricultural Museum’s Classic Collections.” The museum’s public access is carefully managed. Individual visitors can visit on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Group visits require reservations and adherence to specific guidelines. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors to the South China Agricultural Museum.