Visitors tour the Tongyang Canal-themed exhibition at Rugao Museum on May 16. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

Nantong in Jiangsu province celebrated the 2026 International Museum Day at the Rugao Museum in Rugao, a county-level city of Nantong, on May 16.

The event served as a platform for cultural and museum exchange, highlighting the achievements of Nantong's museum sector and further solidifying the city's reputation as a "hometown of culture and museums" in China.

A launch ceremony was held for the documentary The Mystery of Longevity in Rugao, which aims to uncover the secrets behind Rugao's renowned longevity culture. Professor He Yun'ao from Nanjing University delivered a special presentation, exploring the historical connections between the ancient culture of the Tongyang Canal and Rugao's development.

At the same time, the city launched a series of celebratory activities, including themed exhibitions, immersive experiences, educational programs, and cultural and creative markets.

A special exhibition on the Tongyang Canal opened at the Rugao Museum to showcase Rugao's historical significance as a major center for the salt industry south of the Huaihe River through valuable artifacts and historical documents.

In addition, an expo about Nantong museums and intangible cultural heritage market debuted at the south plaza of the Rugao Museum. Numerous museums from across the city presented high-quality educational programs, achievements, and unique cultural products. More than 10 local intangible cultural heritage crafts from Rugao were demonstrated live, offering citizens an up-close experience of the charm of traditional folk culture.