An immersive and interactive multimedia exhibition based on the 17th-century Chinese encyclopedia “The Exploitation of the Works of Nature” is being held at OH Bay in Bao’an District to give visitors an understanding of ancient Chinese agriculture, handicrafts and science in a light and fun way.

The encyclopedia compiled by Chinese scientist Song Yingxing (1587-1666) covers a wide range of technical issues, including textile dying, salt making and fermenting beverages. It describes the terms, configurations, and production stages for over 130 types of productive technologies and tools. Many of the production techniques described in the book are still in use today.

The encyclopedia features detailed illustrations that have been valuable for historians in understanding many early Chinese production processes. For example, there are illustrations of brick-making: One shows a kiln master checking the temperature of a furnace while an assistant stands by and douses the kiln to induce superficial glazing, and another illustration shows a brick-maker filling a wooden mold with clay while he dresses the brick’s surface with a finishing wire strung on a bow. As the historian Joseph Needham points out, the vast amount of accurately drawn illustrations in this encyclopedia make it an invaluable written work in the history of Chinese science.

At the same time, “The Exploitation of the Works of Nature” was written in a style strongly suggestive of first-hand experience. While working as a teacher in Jiangxi Province, Song researched agricultural and artisanal technologies, which he then organized into the book published in 1637.

Dates: Until May 6

Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Tickets: 88 yuan per person (weekdays), 118 yuan (weekends and holidays), more discounts for two-person and three-person tickets, free for children shorter than 1.2 meters, medical workers and seniors aged 65 years or older

Venue: Next to the Ferris wheel, OH Bay, Bao’an District (宝安区欢乐港湾摩天轮旁边)

Metro: Line 5 to Linhai Station (临海站), Exit A(SD News)