The past instructing the present

The hidden excellence of Chinese ancient technology finds a new renaissance through a unique educational and cultural project at Dalian Minzu University.

More than 20 restored models of ancient Chinese mechanical inventions are currently on display in the lobby of the College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Dalian Minzu University in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province, attracting many students and teachers to visit and share photos on social media.

Visitors not only marveled at the breadth and depth of traditional Chinese culture but also praised the refinement of the restored models, including the guide vehicle, waterwheel, and vertical-axis windmill. These models were meticulously crafted by students under the guidance of teachers from the college.

A group of five students, including Delaram Nurmemet, a 20-year-old junior majoring in intelligent manufacturing, worked together to recreate the lianji shuidui, a traditional water-powered grain processing tool used to crush grains. Their work won a first prize in the awards at the end of the project.