Fudan University's Zujia Biological Museum presents a collection of zoological and plant specimens collected since the 1950s.[Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily]

Speaking about the challenges he faces in arranging the exhibits, Tang says: "Frankly, it is tough to arrange thousands of specimens, but I'm lucky to have my father's notes, which clearly record the scientific names, locations of the finds, habitats and other details.

"I also keep the record of every specimen we find today, which is for future reference. I hope to preserve and upgrade this legacy."

In the animal pavilion, Tang says, visitors can see how the species' lived, like in a zoo, because the museum took the animals' living conditions into account while creating the displays.

"We know pandas eat bamboo in the forest, and that camels live in the desert. And it shows in the displays," says Tang.

"We put the gibbons on the tops of trees, while the golden monkeys are on the ground. Even the facial expressions of the monkeys have been carefully considered."