Baiyun District Museum, housed at the historical site of Pinghe Pawnshop in Baiyun district, reopened to the public on Oct 1 following a comprehensive exhibition upgrade.

The upgrade features a unified design for wall displays, with English translations added to introductions and descriptions. Carefully positioned lighting highlights exhibit details, making the information clearer and more accessible.

The museum's entrance area retains original features. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

The entrance area retains original features like privacy screens and pawn counters, while items such as pawn tickets, abacuses, and other artifacts have been reorganized for a clearer, more cohesive visitor route — vividly presenting the traditional pawnshop's operations, industry rules, and social functions, as well as the broader commercial culture of Guangzhou and the lifestyle of the Lingnan region.

Following the "minimal intervention" and "separation of old and new" principles, the building's original structure and layout remain untouched, with display cases independently supported to minimize impact on the heritage fabric.

Miniature models of Baiyun's heritage buildings are on display. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

The exhibition centers on "Pinghe Pawnshop and Guangdong Pawnshop Culture". It is complemented by the "Baiyun Treasures" special exhibition, featuring miniature models of 20 representative heritage buildings, as well as temporary exhibitions and public education spaces. Digital elements such as an AR interactive sand table and the "Pawnshop Manager's Record" enrich visitor interaction.

A recreated scene depicting the operations of a traditional pawnshop. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

Originally built in 1917, Pinghe Pawnshop is one of Guangdong's largest and best-preserved traditional pawnshop relics. Following its reopening, the museum is set to expand educational programs and cultural exchanges, and make use of the "Pinghe Pawnshop 1917" Historical and Cultural Creative Block to transform heritage resources into a shared public cultural asset.