Models of Xiamen's old fishing ships in the Shapowei exhibition center in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

An exhibition center exploring Shapowei, a former fishing village and origin of Xiamen port, and now a gathering area for artists and art lovers in Xiamen's Siming district, East China's Fujian province, opened on June 28.

The exhibition center offers locals an immersive experience as they learn about Shapowei's past, present and future.

The three-story center not only houses old photos and historic objects, but also reproduces the marine culture and history of Xiamen port through modern mediums such as documentaries, augmented reality and motion-sensing interaction.

And for many fishermen in Xiamen, the exhibition center brings a sense of nostalgia for the old days.

"I was a steamboat mechanic, and I installed the engines for the fleet. The fleet's maiden voyage was a big deal," said Huang Yafu, a 75-year-old, when he saw an old photo of the ship he used to work on.

The exhibition center is located at No 42 Daxue Road in Siming district, and is free to visitors.