A waterwheel widely used in China during the 1950s is pictured at an agricultural museum in Rugao, a county-level city in Nantong, East China’s Jiangsu province, Feb 21. [Photo/VCG]

An agricultural museum in Pingyuanchi village, Rugao Economic and Technological Development Zone welcomed a group of senior visitors on Feb 21.

The group, most of whom were in their 70s, appeared deeply impressed by an assortment of agricultural tools on display, including waterwheels from the 1950s and stone mills from the 1930s and 1940s.

When we were young we used these every day, but they are seldom seen today due to the changes brought about by modernization, said one of the visitors. 

“Most young people have no idea about the hardship my generation has experienced, but these tools will tell them the stories,” he added.

The museum has collected a variety of traditional agricultural tools, most of which were donated by local villagers. 

“The museum not only houses the tools, but also precious memories of ancient times,” said Qin Xingshui, a 70-year-old volunteer at the museum.