It has just opened but its traditional design is already a landmark. The complex of buildings, located in Shishi, a county-level city in Fujian province's Quanzhou, features red walls, raised platforms, roof ridges curling up like swallowtails and stone archway replete with exquisite carvings.

The private museum has as its theme the history of the ancient Maritime Silk Road of which Quanzhou was a hub. The Shimao Martime Silk Road Museum of Fujian was established by property developer Shimao Group with active support from the Palace Museum.