People pose in front of photos themed on the Chinese New Year on show at the same museum. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The exhibition will finish on the second day of the second month of the new year, known as Longtaitou ("dragon raises its head"), a day which in some regions marks the start of spring plowing.

Rather than asking visitors to quietly appreciate the exhibits, the exhibition — like last year's — adopts the lively format of a temple fair, a key element of festive celebrations. Arts and crafts from across the country are on display and can be purchased at stalls.

Among the most popular offerings are the culinary delights.

Guanzi, the ancient text that is more than 2,500 years old, says:"When granaries are full, people understand etiquette."