An exterior view of the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea. Photo: courtesy of the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea

Exterior view of the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea. Photo: Eva Molaro

On a rainy Sunday in May, with Haikou’s skies heavy and grey and my children seeking entertainment, I found myself pulled not toward playgrounds, the beaches or coconut groves, but into something quieter, more introspective: the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea. Tucked into the coastline of Tanmen Town, Qionghai, this national-level museum is not just a building full of relics, it’s a deep dive into the maritime soul of China’s southern frontier. Before going, I had become aware of an archaeological exhibition of relics from Italy’s southern seas, and as someone passionate about archaeology, cultural heritage and storytelling, I felt compelled to go and take advantage of this rare opportunity to bring my children to witness with their own eyes their Italian cultural roots and the heritage of their new home, Hainan. Indeed, museums are more than repositories of objects, they’re anchors of identity, allowing visitors to trace back their own personal history through the shared heritage of their people. 

Exploring the exhibits

Walking into the museum, the first thing I noticed was the sound, or rather, the lack of it. Despite the rain tapping insistently on the double-sloped roof and the number of visitors, the galleries inside were silent, offering a peaceful haven. Designed by renowned architect He Jingtang(何镜堂), the building feels like it was conceived with the sea in mind: open corridors offer glimpses of the coast, and natural light gently filters through skylights and overhangs, even on gloomy days. The structure reminds visitors of a ship at sea, while the open spaces and staggeringly high ceilings make for an imposing sight and an easy-to-navigate space, where exhibition halls are clearly numbered and visible, for the convenience of all visitors.

Interior view of the museum’s southern building. Photo: Eva Molaro

The exhibitions are thoughtfully arranged across nine halls, however the museum is home to a total of 53 different exhibition spaces distributed across over 70,000 square meters. It features two exhibition zones, with the southern zone housing eight indoor showrooms and one open-air showroom, and the northern zone highlighting the museum's social functions. The museum houses over 70,000 pieces, including antiques, biological samples, and ship models, and is equipped with high-tech facilities for conservation and research. The Natural Ecology Hall brought the underwater world alive with life-sized models of whales, digital and interactive displays that allow visitors to listen to the sound of all different cetacean species and stunning preserved specimens of these giant sea mammals that fascinated my children. Personally, I particularly appreciated the display dedicated to saving and taking care of beached whales. Meanwhile, in the Humanities and History Hall, I lingered in front of ancient maps and handwritten maritime logs, as well as stunning Ming and Qing Dynasty ceramics, proof of centuries of exploration and trade, wondering how exciting it must have been to discover these treasures underwater. The museum offer so many valuable pieces, exhibitions and exciting high-tech and immersive displays that span 800 years of history and more, that it is impossible to include all in one brief presentation; and yet, even amid all this local history, one more exhibition reached across continents to stir the visitors’ imagination and my deeply rooted love for archaeology—the special exhibition titled "Echoes from the Sea: Treasures from Apulia, Italy". 

Echoes from Apulia: a special exhibition

On the second floor of the northern building, in exhibition hall N. 8, my family and I immersed ourselves in the ancient Greek and Roman mythology of the Mediterranean, a very familiar environment for me, but a first for my children. Organized in partnership with Italian institutions, the Apulia archaeological exhibition is a jewel in the museum’s 2025 program titled Archaeology tells of Apulia: Between the Two Seas. As I walked through its rooms, I was immediately transported back to my high school studies, trying to decipher and translate the ancient writings and painted pottery for my children. The 4000 to 1700 year-old amphoras, ara, kylix, denari coins, plaster casts, columns and even tiny oil lamps are decorated with mythological creatures and legends that, to an expert eye, offer a visual and thematic dialogue between two maritime cultures, the Mediterranean and the South-China Sea ones, both shaped by the sea, both cradles of trade, myth, and migration.

 Children enter Exhibition Hall N.8 in the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea, in Qionghai, Hainan. Photo: Eva Molaro

The exhibit features over 230 artifacts from the Apulia region in southern Italy, spanning the Neolithic, Classical, and Roman eras. On display were bronze figurines, elaborately painted ceramics, and intricately carved stone reliefs. 
Some of my favourite pieces on display were the head of Neptune, silver coins depicting the legendary figure of Taras riding a dolphin, an ancient Egyptian statuette depicting the God of wisdom Thoth and various red ceramic containers depicting gorgons, Heracles (Hercules) fighting centaurs, hippogriffs, chimeras, Pegasus and sphinxes. What made this exhibition truly special was juxtaposition of Apulian artifacts and Chinese maritime tradition, as well as a comparison between the mythology of the two cultures, which made me feel a deep sense of global continuity. In one corner of the gallery, children can also enjoy an interactive display, try and engage with puzzles to piece together some of the ancient vases they have just observed in the exhibition and buy some wooden boat models and other exhibition-themed memorabilia. 

Marble head of Neptune from the Roman Era, on display at the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea, in Qionghai, Hainan.

Interactive puzzle wall at the exhibition Archaeology Tells of Apulia, at the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea, in Qionghai, Hainan.

Cultural tourism opening up

As China’s southernmost province continues to develop its identity as a free trade port and cultural destination, institutions like this museum become increasingly essential. They help frame the island not just as a beach paradise, but as a place with deep roots and wide horizons. From its exhibitions on traditional Hainanese fishing techniques to the immersive hall dedicated to the culture of local boat builders, the museum celebrates authentic history and heritage. One particularly touching installation featured oral histories of elderly fishermen, their voices recorded in Hainanese dialect, recalling rituals for setting out to sea. What impressed me most was how the museum integrates these local elements into broader narratives. The Apulia exhibition is just one example. There’s a palpable commitment to opening up and connecting Hainan’s story with that of the wider world.
Of course, it helps that the museum sits in a region already rich in appeal. Just a short drive away are the seaside stalls of Tanmen, where fresh seafood steams beside handwoven fishing nets. Meanwhile, the Boao Forum site—China’s answer to Davos—is not far either. Every year visitors from all around the world fly to Boao to marvel at local achievements and connect with Chinese and international businesses.  For businessman, families and travelers seeking to better understand the local culture and to enjoy a blend of nature, history, and contemporary China, this stretch of coastline is becoming increasingly attractive.

Online digital tour of the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea, provided on the official website of the museum.

Off the beaten path

As I stepped back outside, the rain had stopped, the South China Sea just a short distance away. I stood there for a moment, imagining the countless voyages—real and metaphorical—that had crossed these waters. Visiting the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea is not just about looking at the past; it’s about feeling your place within it.
For international visitors, this museum offers more than exhibits. There are multilingual audio guides, detailed English signage, and often, guided tours available in multiple languages. Special events are regularly scheduled, especially during cultural festivals and international celebrations like International Museum Day. My only regret during this visit to the museum was not checking the Flying Theatre’s schedule ahead of time. We unfortunately arrived at the third floor’s immersive motion simulation cinema too late and were unable to enjoy the 15-minute 5D experience. Still, no harm done, I am glad to have a good excuse to go back soon to the museum. On top of that, once at home, I was delighted to find out that the museum’s official website also offers online virtual tours of many of the exhibition halls, so if one wants to prepare their itinerary in advance or simply explore the museum from the comfort of their home, before heading there in person, the museum gates are just one click away. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of maritime stories, or a traveler seeking something different from the usual tourist trails, this museum delivers.