Nantong is famous for its banyao kite – a large, flat, whistling kite with a hexagonal frame – adorned with exquisite decorations and vibrant colors. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

The Nantong Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum – located in the Chongchuan district of Nantong city, in East China's Jiangsu province – has reportedly been fully upgraded, to enable there to be more exhibits and presentations of handicrafts with a greater visual impact.

The only comprehensive intangible cultural museum in the city, it was completed and opened in September 2012 and is preparing to celebrate its ninth anniversary.

The museum has been upgraded, with a total floor space of 987 square meters spread across two floors. The exhibition is divided into three themed sections: overview, treasures and inheritance.

The more than 150 exhibits – mainly traditional handicraft pieces made by masters – are displayed with explanation panels and pictures showing their historical origin, characteristic style, production techniques and other aspects. A more visually effective multimedia presentation has been adopted to appeal more to visitors.

Nantong currently has 148 city-level intangible cultural heritage projects, including 53 at the provincial level. The provincial-level projects are all being showcased in the museum.

According to a senior official, the museum organizes training sessions every year to teach the Mei'an School guqin – a plucked Chinese musical instrument – as well as art, paper-cutting, redwood carving, embroidery, lantern making and other traditional skills.