The Sizhou Paper Mill Ruins. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the foot of Fenghuang Mountain in Fuyang district, Hangzhou for the Sizhou Chinese Paper-Making Heritage Museum on Oct 18, with an investment of roughly 330 million yuan ($45.1 million).

The national museum will open in two years' time and serve as a place for historical research, sightseeing, cultural experiences, and immersive activities.

Fuyang has a deep-rooted history in paper-making and boasts two cultural trademarks – a national cultural heritage site - the Sizhou Paper Mill Ruins - and a national intangible cultural heritage project - Fuyang Bamboo Paper Making Craft.

Discovered during the reconstruction of National Highway 320 in 2008, the Sizhou Paper Mill Ruins from the Song Dynasty (960-1279) are the earliest and largest paper-making site found in China to date.

The paper-making museum, which broke ground ahead of other parts of the ruins' restoration project, is scheduled for completion in 2026. The exterior of the building draws inspiration from "paper falling in the clouds", resulting in a light, harmonious design featuring environmentally friendly materials. Glass curtain walls embedded with local bamboo paper form the façade, creatively integrating paper elements into the architectural style.

Inside the museum, there will be various zones, including a bamboo paper research and experiential learning center, Chinese paper gene bank, and ancient book restoration facilities. The ancient paper-making techniques of Sizhou from the Song Dynasty will be recreated through methods like ground simulations and digital restoration.

Within the comprehensive restoration project, a historical site park will be constructed and is set to open next year. Fuyang plans to further promote the integration of intangible cultural heritage with tourism, focusing on the Sizhou Paper Mill Ruins, Yangbei Lake wetlands, and Fenghuang Mountain's cultural and tourism development.

Water channels and retting ponds are seen inside the Sizhou Paper Mill Ruins. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]