Antiques on display at the village history museum in Pugang community, Rugao [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

A village history museum in Pugang community, Changjian town, Rugao has attracted crowds of villagers.

The museum was transformed from an old teachers' dormitory and consists of three parts focusing on local famous people, old memories and cattail-made handicrafts.

In the old memories exhibition area, articles such as abacus, old coins, pen containers and radios are on display in a glass showcase, while farming tools such as hoes and plows line the wall.

Officials said that most of the articles were donated by villagers.

Shoes made of cattails are on display at the village history museum in Pugang community, Rugao. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

"These are the memories from my childhood, which are seldom seen today," said villager Li Yuru. "The museum allows the younger generation to learn more about the hardship of my generation and teaches them to be grateful for the present."

An array of cattail-made handicrafts including hats, mats and bags are also on display. 

Cattail is the most common aquatic plant in the community. In the old days, people would make and sell the handicrafts to earn a living.

"We hope the ancient technique can be passed down to future generations," said a community worker. "We are planning to package the locally-produced rice using cattail-made boxes, which would be eye-catching."