In Ningbo, China's first panoramic underwater archaeology exhibition reveals the nation's evolving relationship with its maritime past.

At the China Port Museum in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, the Underwater Archaeology in China exhibition offers a unique, immersive journey beneath the waves. As the country's first panoramic exhibition dedicated to underwater archaeology, it has become a landmark in Chinese museology. In 2024, it earned one of the nation's highest museum honors: a spot among the Top 10 Museum Exhibitions of the Year.

Launched in 2014, the exhibition has attracted over 5 million visits. A complete redesign in 2023 introduced a chronological narrative highlighting the field's development — from China's official foray into underwater archaeology in 1987 to the high-profile discoveries of the Nanhai I and Changjiangkou II shipwrecks.

"Every major milestone in Chinese underwater archaeology is reflected here," said Wang Jiehua, curator and head of the Ningbo Base of National Underwater Cultural Heritage Protection. He noted the city's pioneering role in training specialists and participating in over 20 national projects.

One of the exhibition's most compelling features is a live-view conservation area, where visitors can observe the restoration of the Xiaobaijiao I, a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) merchant ship.

"It's not just about excavation anymore," said Lin Guocong, the archaeologist who led the recovery, "We're also focused on preservation and sustainable public engagement."

The exhibition has extended far beyond museum walls. Through school partnerships, design competitions, and digital tools, it continues to bring underwater heritage to broader audiences.

"This is more than a display," said museum director Feng Yi, "It's a living platform for cultural imagination and scientific progress."

Exhibit area of the Qing Dynasty Shipwreck Xiaobaijiao I. [Photo/China Port Museum]