Cold Forest After Snow, a painting by Fan Kuan from the Song Dynasty (960-1279). [Photo provided to China Daily]

As for Yan Xiu's background, the educator was exposed to Western thought during the Self-Strengthening Movement (1861-95), which was championed by scholar-generals like Li Hongzhang (1823-1901).

Then, Yan Xiu was among the Chinese who went to the West to imbibe new ideas. Later, he encouraged his family members to focus on education to boost the country's prospects, and he got the idea to establish a museum, a dream which his son realized.

Ideal location

Speaking about why Tianjin saw China's first museum, the curator says: "When you look at the history of Tianjin, the setting up of the museum in such a city seems obvious as it boasts a Westernized outlook."

Tianjin was one of the earliest ports opened to foreigners; and many entrepreneurs launched their businesses there after learning skills from the West. And the city also saw the setting up of the country's first modern army, private hotel, university and the issue of the first postage stamp.