Children join a birthday ceremony at the academy last month based on traditional rituals. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Rong Junyan, director of the academy's administration office, said: "Donglin Academy is a really good place for people to learn about traditional Chinese culture. I can walk around it for hours and never feel bored."

However, most people used not to share Rong's sentiments.

Despite its reputation, the site was popular solely with older people from other Chinese cities, but these visitors spent only about 20 minutes touring the academy, Rong said.

The administration office found that this problem needed to be addressed.

Rong said, "If a historic venue like the Donglin Academy had continued to put only ancient couplets and calligraphy on its walls, it would be difficult to attract younger audiences and share with them the culture, history and meaning of these relics."

At the start of last year, the academy, with support from the Wuxi government, set out to revamp its offerings to the public. This work resulted in a stunning transformation of the site centered on a life experience center, which was established by the end of the year.

The center offers a program comprising lectures, art performances, reading activities, healthcare programs, cookery and a cultural creation market.