Growing up in Canada with tales of his parents’ distant homeland, Li Shimin had always wondered about his roots: “Where did I really come from?” Sharing a name with the Tang Dynasty’s emperor Taizong often sparked awkwardness in Li’s childhood. But it was this namesake that ignited his fascination with Chinese history and culture, which became a bridge for him to understand Chinese civilization.
In early 2023, Li arrived in China as a student at Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), where his quest for belonging found an unexpected anchor in the university’s museum.
At SYSU Museum, Li discovered a unique blend of ancient artifacts and modern innovation. The museum's exhibits, from Lingnan artworks to high-tech installations, allowed him to “feel the pulse of Lingnan culture and hear the echoes of SYSU’s legacy.”
“Holding Tang Dynasty ceramics while using Chinese AI made me realize that China's 5,000-year legacy isn't just history,” Li said. “It’s the foundation for everything happening today.”
The museum connects the past, present and future. Wandering through the halls, Li realized that every innovation here honors history, while every visitor becomes part of the story being written.
When his fingers brushed a millennium-old artifact, he didn't need to “search” for roots. The cultural memory awakened naturally. “China isn't just my parents' homeland—it’s mine,” Li realized.
What sets this museum apart is its role as a teaching-oriented institution. Students like Li not only observe artifacts but also attend classes there.
Opened in November 2024—just six months ago—during SYSU’s centennial celebrations, the museum features dedicated teaching halls like the Life and Health Teaching Exhibition Hall and the Ceramic Teaching Exhibition Hall. In addition, it showcases artifact exhibits on ancient Chinese civilization, Lingnan history, and Southwest ethnic cultures, reflecting SYSU’s pioneering contributions to anthropology, archaeology, and historical studies.
Today marks International Museum Day, with the theme of “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”. By integrating intangible cultural heritage preservation, youth engagement, and technologies such as VR tours and AI-driven artifact interpretations, the museum exemplifies adaptation and thrives in the digital age.
Join Li Shimin's journey to explore SYSU Museum and discover the convergence where history, innovation, and education meet.
Video: Xia Wenhui, Yu Andong
