Eight museums in China have opened to online visitors via live streams during the coronavirus outbreak.

Experienced interpreters of the eight museums including the National Museum of China, Gansu Provincial Museum, Dunhuang Research Academy, and Sanxingdui Museum presented their fine collection of fine cultural relics to the public.

Three interpreters of the National Museums of China dedicated an hour to introduce the "Ancient China" and "Dream of Red Mansions" exhibitions, as well as valuable cultural relics including Houmuwu ding, Da Yu ding, Four-goat Square Zun, Jade burial suit, and dozen of others, giving audiences a glimpse some of the precious cultural relics of China's 5,000-year-old civilization.

"The Silk Road" is the main theme of Gansu Provincial Museum, with the authentic "Flying Horse of Gansu" unearthed in 1969 being broadcast live.

The Sanxingdui Museums displayed the bronze sacred tree, upright bronze figure and the newly excavated national treasure.

Many authentic national treasures can be displayed "without pressure" to the audiences while online visits can also minimize the damage to cultural relics. Meanwhile, in addition to the most professional interpretations, online live broadcasting can also be interactive.

"What a feast for the eyes! There are even one-on-one 'VIP' tours," an elementary student commented.

According to statistics by live-streaming platform Taobao, the live broadcast lasted nearly 12 hours and received a warm response from tens of millions of netizens. While admiring the exquisite exhibits, many netizens expressed their expectations for the next live broadcast.

"We hope to use more technical means to meet the spiritual and cultural needs of the vast audience during the quarantine time," National Museums of China staff said.

During the epidemic, the National Museum of China attracted visitors through virtual exhibitions online, videos and audio lectures, and in-depth interpretation articles.

More museums are turning to the internet to reach out to the younger generation. 

"This is actually a new way of digitizing museums. Such an attempt has achieved good results, and allows the museum to go to the public," Pan Helin from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law said.

(Cover image designer: Du Chenxin.)