Through the lens of history

Cultural exploration

So far, Gui has visited around 60 museums and captured countless images. Whenever she travels to a new city, a trip to the local museum is always at the top of her list.

"Museums are the best way to experience a region's culture. They help answer the question, 'Where do I come from?'" she said. "It's the civilizations that have evolved over time that truly set one place apart from another."

In 2022, Gui began sharing her relic photography on Xiaohongshu (RedNote), a popular Chinese lifestyle platform.

Most of her followers are between the ages of 25 and 34, and she has noticed an increasing interest in traditional culture among young people.

"Today's youth see cultures as different rather than ranking them as superior or inferior," she said. "This perspective reflects a shift in mindset and a growing confidence in our own culture."

Gui also noted that changes in museum practices have contributed to this trend.

"Museums are no longer just about displaying collections or providing basic information — they now focus on creating immersive experiences," she explained.

She highlighted the example of the China Grand Canal Museum, where the historical process of transporting goods along the Grand Canal has been turned into an escape room game. Visitors take on the roles of transporters, learning about the canal's hydraulic systems, boat designs, and cultural heritage through engaging, interactive gameplay.