During the recent National Day holiday, families in Zhejiang have turned to science and education-themed outings, discovering a range of experiences from the origins of humanity to dinosaur fossils and traditional farming. Popular destinations like the Zhejiang Natural History Museum, the globally significant “Sankyi Fish Pond System,” and rural cultural halls have not only attracted a surge of visitors but have also become vital spaces for family interaction and education.
In Shizong Town, Nanxun, fields bursting with sunflowers, verbena, cosmos, and pink muhly grass stretched across an impressive 35,000 square meters, creating a breathtaking landscape. Visitors wandered through this floral paradise, eagerly snapping photos to capture its beauty. “We came to enjoy the flower fields and also to visit the nearby ‘Fan Stone Song Dynasty Museum,'” shared Mr. Lu, who described his day as an unforgettable cultural journey.
The “Zhejiang·Fukui Dinosaur Exhibition” at the Zhejiang Natural History Museum in Hangzhou has quickly become a highlight for many visitors. Showcasing fossils from Japan’s Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, this exhibition marks its first international display. Cheng, a visitor from Shanghai, expressed excitement: “My child and I are huge dinosaur fans. We specifically made the trip to Hangzhou for this exhibit.”
At the Anji branch of the Zhejiang Natural History Museum, one of Asia’s largest single-structure natural history museums, visitor numbers soared during the holiday, averaging over 10,000 daily. “The exhibition ‘The Secrets of Humanity’ has sparked significant interest, prompting visitors to engage in discussions about human origins and our future,” noted Chen Yu, a museum staff member.
In Yu Xin Town, Jiaxing City, a public cultural service event titled “Praising the Country with Light and Han Culture” took place at the village cultural hall. Under a teacher’s guidance, children immersed themselves in traditional rituals, including reading the “Three Character Classic” and honoring their mentors. “This is a meaningful activity that connects children with traditional Chinese culture,” said local mother Qiao Longying as she filmed her child participating in the ceremonies.
In the core protected area of the “Sankyi Fish Pond System,” tour guide Ding Minglu was busy welcoming pre-booked groups at the Non-Heritage Exhibits of China Hall. “On October 2nd alone, I hosted four groups, one of which had over 300 visitors—all reserved a week in advance,” Ding revealed. The exhibit features over 160 cultural heritage artifacts from 11 provinces, including 111 items designated as national intangible cultural heritage.
For Cai Dinghang, a student transitioning to junior high, visiting the Non-Heritage Exhibits of China Hall was an enlightening experience. “I learned not just about our local heritage but also about unique cultures across the country, which will greatly benefit my knowledge,” he commented.
Beyond the exhibits, the ancient town of Digan thrived as families engaged in hands-on learning at the “Farming Classroom,” planting, harvesting, and even making traditional dishes like Dingsheng Cake. “We’ve innovated our educational programs and activities to cater to different age groups,” explained Zhang Dongmei, who oversees the programming. This peak tourist season, they introduced over 40 educational programs, significantly boosting visitor numbers compared to last year.
With its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, the village welcomed over a million tourists in 2023, generating more than 100 million yuan in cultural and tourism spending. “We are constantly exploring development pathways that blend education with cultural heritage and industry to enhance the quality of life and happiness for our community,” remarked a local representative.
