A new insect-themed museum opened for trial operations on Aug 20 at Gankeng Ancient Town in Longgang district. Housed in a relocated century-old Huizhou-style mansion, it brings together insect specimens, natural science and traditional Chinese aesthetics.

The museum's main showpiece is a "butterfly tree" adorned with real blue morpho butterflies. Their wings glow with changing metallic-blue colors when light hits them from different angles.

Real blue morpho specimens compose the museum's "butterfly tree" exhibit.

Four themed halls display moths, beetles, butterfly-themed handicrafts and jewelry. Guests can also take part in hands-on activities such as butterfly-specimen making and lacquer-fan painting.

Special opening benefits are on offer as well. Visitors can receive a full ticket refund by sharing travel snapshots on local social media platforms. Those wearing hanfu (traditional Chinese costume) will get a free acrylic butterfly souvenir.

The space was founded by science communicator Chen Yongbin in an effort to expose city residents to the beauty of small-scale wildlife amid urban life.