The Shanghai Museum (File photo)

The number of museums in China has increased from 349 to more than 5,000 over the past four decades, according to an official from the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), thepaper.cn reported on Dec. 28.

Museums have become major tourist destinations, Luo Jing, a department director in charge of museum development under the NCHA, said during a news conference on Dec. 26.

Luo said that cultural and tourism departments should adhere to quality development, the scientific use of cultural relics and resources, and enhance the integration of cultural and tourism resources and technologies.

Dai Bin, President of the China Tourism Academy, said the Internet plays an essential role in drawing museums closer to visitors, giving people more information and interaction during their visit.

He added that a new supervision system should be adopted to supervise cultural and tourism enterprises, i.e., to first regulate and then develop the high-end market.

Representatives of cultural and tourism enterprises also discussed new challenges they have faced due to changing demands and consumption trends. As people’s needs become more diversified and personalized, companies must adjust quickly to cope.

In addition, the emergence of short videos and e-commerce social networks have brought new business opportunities for culture based companies. Providing a better customer experience is a crucial requirement for these type of enterprises.