The vehicle is adorned with symbolic motifs like soaring jade birds and reimagined sacred emblems. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

A bright and breezy looking open-backed van — resembling a vibrantly colored ice cream van — debuted at the Hubin In77 shopping mall near West Lake on July 5, covered with Liangzhu culture-themed decorations.

It marked the launch of a citywide tour ahead of 2025 Hangzhou Liangzhu Day.

Hangzhou is closely identified with the Liangzhu culture — a late Neolithic civilization that thrived in the Yangtze River Delta around 5,000 years ago — because the renowned Liangzhu archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing a prehistoric rice-cultivating civilization, is located in Yuhang district of the city.

Adorned with symbolic motifs like soaring jade birds and reimagined sacred emblems, the vehicle transforms into a mobile showcase of China's 5,000-year-old civilization.

The roaming display offers interactive cultural experiences — from the AR exploration of relics using special glasses to digital heritage games and exclusive Liangzhu-themed souvenirs. Key heritage sites such as the Liangzhu Museum and its affiliated parks are also spotlighted.

Running from July 5 to 12, the vehicle will visit iconic city spots, turning Hangzhou into a walkable museum of ancient culture fused with modern tech.

A woman poses for a photo at the event. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]