Take a cultural spiritual feast

Since 1977, the International Museum Day is celebrated on May 18 every year, with different activities held around the globe. As a region of history and culture, Jiangsu province has abundance of theme museums with special activities and exhibitions.

Nanjing Yunjin Museum

The red figured gauze robe with cloud and dragon patterns displayed at Nanjing Yunjin Museum [Photo/renmin.com.cn]

As the one and only museum specialized in Yunjin, or Nanjing brocade, the museum offers a wealth of precious Yunjin pieces for tourists. Among them, there is a red figured gauze robe with auspicious clouds and patterns of 17 dragons in various colors and shapes.

Staff with the museum say that it is a precious replica of the dragon robe that belongs to Emperor Wanli (1573-1620) of Ming dynasty. There are only two such pieces in the world.

Opening hours: 8:30am to 5pm.

Address: 240 east Chating St, Jianye district, Nanjing.

Jiangning Textile Industry Museum

The bright-yellow twelve-ornament ceremonial robe at the museum [Photo/renmin.com.cn]

The museum was used as the Jiangning Textile Bureau during Qing Dynasty (1636-1912), It existed between 1645 and 1905 and served as a witness of the dynasty's rise and fall. It was designed and rebuilt by famous architect Wu Liangyong as his last work in 2009, and incorporates the profound style of Chinese landscape paintings in its architecture.

There are four exhibition halls in the museum, each displaying Yunjin works, textile handicrafts, "A Dream of Red Mansion" objects and Qipao (cheong-sam)

Its most precious item is a bright-yellow twelve-ornament ceremonial robe with the embroidery of gold dragons, which dates back to the Qing dynasty.

Opening hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm

Address: 123 Changjiang Rd, Xuanwu district, Nanjing

Kunqu Opera Museum

There're also Kunqu costumes on display at the halls, as well as live performances. [Photo/renmin.com.cn]

The site was once Quanjin Club House established in Qianlong Reign of Qing dynasty (1636-1912), and served as a meeting place for Shanxi merchants that came to Suzhou. As one of the best-preserved architectures from that period, tourists could still see the richly ornamented chambers and lavish decorations, especially its vintage drama stage with various relief carvings and engravings.

There are also a variety of Kunqu costumes on display at the halls, and stages live Kunqu performance on Sundays.

Opening hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm daily; 2pm to 3:30pm for live Kunqu performance.

Address: Zhang Valley, Pingjiang St, old town, Suzhou

Museums across the province are hosting public lectures and free open days on May 18. Hurry up, visit and don't miss out.