China is preparing to commemorate this year's International Museum Day on May 18 with a series of engaging activities, as announced by the National Cultural Heritage Administration during a recent news conference in Beijing.

Established by the International Council of Museums in 1977, International Museum Day has been an annual celebration embraced by China since its council membership in 1983. Each year, the country orchestrates diverse events in honor of this occasion, with a notable venue selected as the focal point for nationwide festivities since 2009.

The spotlight for this year's celebrations will shine on the inauguration of the Qin-Han Civilization Museum, a new branch of the Shaanxi History Museum located in Xixian New Area, Shaanxi province. Scheduled to open its doors to the public on May 18, the museum will host four exhibitions showcasing the rich legacies of the Qin (221-206 BC) and Han (206 BC-AD 220) dynasties in China, alongside artifacts chronicling the ancient Silk Road.

Deputy Director Luo Wenli of the National Cultural Heritage Administration revealed that the venue's opening ceremony will feature the unveiling of the latest statistics on China's museum development, followed by engaging museum-themed forums and seminars.

Embracing this year's theme of "Museums for Education and Research", the celebrations aim to highlight the strides made in China's museum landscape and strengthen the connection between museums and the public.

Simultaneously, a plethora of diverse activities will unfold nationwide, including the launch of new exhibitions, informative lectures, and the introduction of cultural and creative products, fostering a vibrant cultural tapestry that engages and educates audiences across the country.