Chongqing—Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum has launched a new platform to connect overseas Chinese communities with the region's cultural heritage, using museums as a bridge for cross-border cultural exchanges.
The museum officially unveiled its "Home for Overseas Chinese," a dedicated platform to serve and engage overseas Chinese communities, on September 24 as part of an event celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival and China's National Day.
Representatives from overseas Chinese communities and cultural institutions, as well as volunteers and experts from Sichuan and Chongqing, attended the event.
Nearly 200 participants gathered at the museum, highlighting how cultural heritage can foster connections across borders and generations.
The initiative aims to integrate museum resources with services for overseas Chinese, creating a platform for cultural exchange, community engagement and international communication. Through exhibitions, cultural activities, and volunteer programs, the "Home for Overseas Chinese" will give overseas Chinese and international visitors opportunities to experience the history and traditions of the Bashu region, which includes present-day Chongqing and Sichuan.
"By establishing the ‘Home for Overseas Chinese' at the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, we hope to make better use of cultural resources and create a space where overseas Chinese can connect with Bashu culture and share their cultural memories," said Ma Ranxi, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum.
Ma Ranxi, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, introduces the museum and its collaborative activities. （Photo/ Kang Zheng）
A key highlight of the event was the launch of a multilingual volunteer service team under the Chongqing "Silk Road Revival" international volunteer program. Composed of university student volunteers and museum volunteers, the team will provide multilingual guided tours and cultural exchange services, helping improve the museum's international accessibility.
The event also strengthened cultural cooperation between Chongqing and Sichuan. Representatives from the Sanxingdui Museum introduced the ancient Shu civilization, one of China’s most distinctive archaeological discoveries, and highlighted the museum’s international cultural exchange initiatives.
During the event, the Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum, the Sanxingdui Museum and related organizations jointly launched the "Discover Bashu Through Culture and Museums" global cultural exchange campaign. The initiative invites overseas Chinese communities worldwide to submit travel stories, photographs, short videos and creative works featuring the two museums, encouraging people to share their perspectives on Bashu history and culture.
Zhu Yarong, Deputy Director of the Sanxingdui Museum Scenic Area Management Committee, presents the distinctive heritage of ancient Shu civilization. （Photo/ Kang Zheng）
As Chongqing continues to enhance cultural exchanges with the world, the new platform is expected to serve as a hub for overseas Chinese engagement and a gateway for promoting Chinese cultural heritage internationally.
By using museums as a point of connection, Chongqing hopes to transform cultural memories into shared experiences that bring people from different backgrounds closer together.