The relics of Cultural Revolution of China are being exhibited by private collector Fan Jianchuan in Sichuan Province in Southwest China. The display is an unofficial event in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the political movement, which occurred between 1966 and 1976.
"Our nation's cultural treasures need to be inherited . . . but it is more important to pass on the nation's experience and some lessons," said Fan. "That's why I have stayed with this cause for decades."
Fan welcomes the public in his Jianchuan Museum Cluster, which has been open since 2005.
Discreetly referred to as a "Red era," the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution marked the attempt of Mao Zedong to utilize the force of the Chinese masses to lead the Communist Party.
The Guardian reported that the period is noted for the social and political dilemma caused by Mao's actions. Details of the Mao period have been whitewashed by official records. However, it is true that Mao initiated major slip-ups that are reflected in the relics of the museum.
The 16 May Notification is an important part of the Chinese history during this period, as it was a document that warned the Communist Party about the infiltration of the so-called "revisionists" who wanted to impose dictatorship. Numerous deaths and chaos resulted from attempting to stop the counter-revolutionists.
"Modern China is an open country and integrated into the world," said student Luo Qingsong of the Sichuan Management Professional Institute. "I believe our party, the country and our leadership would not adopt such policies again." He was one of the students who toured the museum located in a Chengdu suburb.
Tour groups are led by their guide in the museum. The guide explains the events during the Cultural Revolution as reflected in the relics. It is said that these events are not included in most history books for Chinese students to read and learn about.