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A “wondrous” encounter at the museum

博物馆“奇”遇

What unique experiences can one gain at a mu- 3D animations of fossils, such as animal teeth and
seum? bones. Next, he donned VR glasses and manipu-
Yan Xiaowai, a Canadian who has called lated a joystick, simulating the intricate work of a
Yunnan home for 20 years, set himself a unique “cultural relic doctor” restoring murals. Immersed
challenge as International Museum Day drew near: in the exhibition hall’s sound and light effects, he
to explore three distinctive, lesser-known museums journeyed through time, fully experiencing Yun-
in Kunming. Though he arrived with an open mind, nan’s long and rich history across nine simulated
the unusual settings, exhibition halls featuring “black scenes, including the Forest Period, Paleolithic
technology,” and truly novel exhibits he encountered Age, Neolithic Age, Ancient Dian Culture, Jinning
left even the well-traveled Xiaowai utterly amazed, Gucheng Village, and Cangshan Mountain and Er-
prompting him to exclaim: “There’s nothing that hai Lake.
can’t be done, only what you can’t imagine.” Undoubtedly, the “simulated excavation pit”
Yan’s first stop was the Yunfang Museum, full of game was Yan’s most delightful surprise within the
industrial charm. The Yunnan Textile Factory was center. He eagerly squatted on the ground, brush in
one of Yunnan’s most important modern industrial hand, moving across various interactive screens as
enterprises, with its history traceable back to 1934. he experienced the genuine joy of an archaeological
“What is this wooden box for?” “Which country dig. “This is so interesting, I want to play again!”
produced this machine?” In the museum, converted Xiaowai chuckled as he spoke. He then elaborated,
from a warehouse, Xiaowai curiously examined emphasizing that the most crucial role of an archae-
exhibits of all sizes. With a loud rumble, an auto- ological experience center is to bridge the gap be-
matic loom produced in the 1930s suddenly started, tween archaeological work and the general public,
startling him: “So this ‘old fellow’ can still move!” particularly young people, by offering rich, hands-
Inside the Yunfang Museum, there is a 1:1 on activities that ignite children’s imagination and
replica of a 1980s staff dormitory, where sewing foster innovation.
machines, thermos flasks, and enamel washbasins Finally, he arrived at the Kunming Live Insect
are neatly displayed. Xiaowai mentioned that his Museum. Ants, spiders, lizards, snakes... In the
hometown, Montreal, also boasts many nationally, nearly 1000-square-meter exhibition hall, over
and even globally, renowned factories. “I’m keenly 200 species of live insects from all over the world,
aware of their significance to a city,” he remarked including mantises and stick insects, as well as
with emotion. “Beyond the factory buildings and various reptiles and amphibians, are permanently
machines lie the diligent textile laborers and the housed and displayed. “I’ve never seen so many
families who quietly supported them. That, to me, interesting creatures, especially indoors!” he ex-
is the most invaluable spiritual heritage.” claimed.
From the Yunfang Museum, Xiaowai made his Under the guidance of the staff, Xiaowai took
way directly to the Yunnan Archaeological Expe- a Chiang Mai Axtmantis and an Orchid Mantis
rience Center. Remarkably, this center has become out of the terrarium and placed them on his hand.
a popular destination for youth study tours in less Their delicate appearance made him exclaim how
than two years, largely due to its distinction as one cute they were. “I’ll call you Allen!” he named the
of China’s rare archaeological popular science ex- Chiang Mai Axtmantis. However, when a Califor-
perience venues. nia Kingsnake, with its black and white patterns,
Upon entering, Xiaowai was immediately cap- and a strange-looking Bearded Dragon crawled
tivated by a dazzling array of cutting-edge technol- onto his shoulder, Xiaowai finally lost his compo-
ogies. He eagerly used AR equipment to delve into sure, screaming in fright.