Wall Street of the empire

During his visit to the Rishengchang museum in January, President Xi Jinping said the fine Chinese culture should be promoted to boost economic and social development, and to augment the quality of life of the people of China.

Lei says the local authorities are stepping up efforts to protect collectibles. An endeavor is also being made to trace descendants of people who ran or worked at the exchange house.

Exhibition content and guided tour schedules will be upgraded soon to promote the history of Shanxi merchants and the piaohao culture.

Come 2023, the Rishengchang will turn 200 and several events are being planned to commemorate the anniversary, says Lei.

"The museum guards the essence of the Shanxi merchant culture. We will continue to strive and enrich the lives of those who pay a visit," she adds.

Peng Ke'er contributed to the story.