Exploring Local Identity in Nanjing’s Museums: A Study of Regional Representation

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By Minbo WANG

Museums serve as living records of a place’s history, identity, and heritage, shaping how people engage with and understand the past. In Nanjing, a city with a rich historical past and cultural legacy, known as the ‘Six Dynasties Capital’ for serving as the political and cultural center during the Eastern Wu, Eastern Jin, and several other influential dynasties, including the Ming and Qing, local museums play a crucial role in preserving and presenting narratives tied to the region. Nanjing’s museums show local identity, how they have historically represented regional elements, and how these representations have evolved. By examining five key museums—the Nanjing Liji Lane Comfort Station Site Exhibition, Nanjing Museum, The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, Nanjing Folk Museum (Ganxi Former Residence), and The Presidential Palace of Nanjing, I will analyze how these institutions localize their exhibitions and collections to reflect Nanjing’s unique historical and cultural landscape.

The way museums anchor their exhibitions in local contexts greatly affects how visitors interact with and relate to the displays, making historical stories more tangible and immersive by immersing exhibitions in a region’s distinct cultural and historical landscape, museums foster real and fun experiences that bridge local heritage with global understanding. In Nanjing, a city with a layered history, from its time as an ancient capital to its role in shaping modern political movements, this approach is particularly significant. Studying how museums present these stories shows regional identity, historical memory, and cultural preservation, revealing how the past continues to shape contemporary perspectives on place and heritage.

My research begins with The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders (侵华日军南京大 杀遇难同胞纪念馆), an important site for understanding both local and national trauma. This memorial stands as a somber reminder of one of modern history’s darkest chapters, reinforcing the importance of remembrance and education for future generations. Exhibits center on the Nanjing Massacre, featuring an extensive collection of artifacts, personal testimonies, and historical records gathered from the city, showing a deep portrayal of the tragedy. By focusing on the firsthand materials of Nanjing’s residents, the memorial hall offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the city that has suffered a huge individual and collective pain.

In front of the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, Nanjing, China. Photo: Minbo Wang.

The Nanjing Liji Lane Comfort Station Site Exhibition puts light on the often-overlooked history of the comfort women system during World War II, a subject that remains sensitive yet important to understanding the broader context of wartime atrocities. By focusing on local survivors’ testimonies and historical records, the exhibition captures the deeply personal and lasting impact of this dark chapter on the invaded country and its people. Through firsthand archival documents, and recovered artifacts, the exhibition crafts a deeply personal and historically grounded, ensuring visitors grasp the emotional and historical weight of these experiences.

Military Records on the Management of “Comfort Stations.” Official Japanese military records documenting the operation, regulations, and abuses within “Comfort Stations” during World War II. This exhibit presents archival documents from the Japanese military police detailing the strict management of “Comfort Stations” in Java and other occupied territories. These records reveal regulations, punishments, and documented abuses, exposing the systematic control over forced sexual slavery. The exhibit includes military police reports on disciplinary actions against soldiers who violated station policies, orders for the recruitment of women, and regulations outlining the exploitation of victims. These documents serve as critical evidence of the organized nature of the “Comfort Women” system. Photo: Minbo Wang.

As one of China’s oldest and most comprehensive museums, Nanjing Museum (南京博物院) is a cornerstone of Jiangsu Province’s cultural heritage, preserving and celebrating its deep historical roots. With a collection that is the main source from Jiangsu, the museum maintains a strong regional focus, allowing visitors to connect with the province’s rich and diverse past. Its exhibitions primarily showcase ancient history, featuring a large amount of locally pottery, calligraphy, and historical artifacts that illustrate the artistic and cultural evolution of Jiangsu. By focusing on local antiquities, the museum plays a core role in maintaining Jiangsu’s heritage, offering an immersive experience that brings the province’s historical and artistic contributions to life.

Housed in the historic Ganxi Former Residence, the Nanjing Folk Museum offers a glance into the city’s rich traditions, customs, and everyday life. Rather than grand historical events or conflicts, this museum put a light on the domestic and social fabric of Nanjing’s past, allowing visitors to experience how people once lived. The residence itself, a historical treasure, stands as a fine example of traditional Jiangnan-style architecture, with its elegant courtyards and intricate woodwork. Inside, visitors will find exhibits featuring locally crafted items, from traditional garments and everyday household objects to exquisite folk crafts, all reinforcing a strong connection to Nanjing’s regional heritage and identity.

Nanjing paper cuttings, Nanjing velvet flowers, traditional folk arts, intangible cultural heritage. The velvet flower (绒花) section traces the craft’s development from the Ming and Qing Dynasties through to modern adaptations. Originally made for royal families and traditional operas, velvet flowers are now used in weddings, film costume design, and fashion. The exhibit includes contemporary pieces and photographs of velvet flowers featured in television and cinema. Photo: Minbo Wang.

The Presidential Palace (總統府) holds historical significance as the site of key political events in China’s modern history. It has been carefully preserved to showcase Nanjing’s political legacy, particularly during the Republican era. The museum’s localized approach is evident in its detailed restoration of interiors, period-specific artifacts, and archives that record events in Nanjing’s role as a political center.

Located in the heart of Nanjing, the Presidential Palace served as the office and residence of several Chinese governments, including the Nationalist Government of the Republic of China. During the Nanjing Massacre and the Japanese occupation, the palace’s symbolic status as a seat of Chinese sovereignty was overshadowed by war and devastation. Today, it stands as a preserved historic site, reflecting the complex political transformations of modern Chinese history and serving as a reminder of the nation’s struggle during the early 20th century. Pictured is the area devoted to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s leadership during the founding of the Nanjing Provisional Government in 1912. It includes photographs of original offices, portraits, artifacts, and detailed panels explaining the significance of Sun Yat-sen’s inauguration as the first Provisional President of the Republic of China. Photo: Minbo Wang.

Each of these museums offers a distinct and interwoven perspective on Nanjing’s history, culture, and identity, collectively painting a complete picture of the city’s past and present. Over time, these institutions have remained dedicated to preserving local heritage, showcasing artifacts sourced from the region, crafting place-based narratives, and curating exhibitions that speaks to Nanjing’s unique identity. This study explores how these representations have transformed over time, influenced by historical shifts, curatorial methods, and modern expectations for inclusivity and historical accuracy.

References

Chang, I. (1998a). The rape of Nanking : The forgotten holocaust of World War II . Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/rapeofnanking00iris/page/284/mode/2up

Home | The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. (n.d.). https://www.19371213.com.cn/en/

南京博物院. (n.d.). https://www.njmuseum.com/en