By April 12, 104 public libraries, 98 cultural centers, 147 museums, and 49 public art galleries had reopened in Shandong, according to a news conference held by the Information Office of the Shandong Provincial People's Government.

Public cultural venues have been attracting a growing number of visitors since reopening after being closed for nearly two months or more to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Visitors return books via a self-service machine at the Shandong Library.  [Photo/tmtsp.com]

The Shandong Museum has received 9,818 visitors since it opened on March 31, while the Shandong Library has received 4,733 readers, with a total of 24,626 books and periodicals being borrowed or returned.

Li Guolin, an official from the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, said that as the domestic outbreak subsides, work and production are resuming in an orderly manner, and the consumer market is gradually picking up, the province's cultural and tourism industries are also gradually returned to normal.

Visitors enjoy the exhibion at the Shandong Provincial Cultural Center. [Photo/tmtsp.com]

Li said that public cultural venues are an important part of people's spiritual and cultural lives, and Shandong has launched a number of online services and digital resources throughout the epidemic to meet the cultural needs of the public.

Li also reminded the public to avoid gathering at the cultural venues amid the epidemic and said that people who plan to visit should inquire about the hours and specific business conditions through the official website, WeChat, or telephone.

A father and his son watch the exhibition at the Shandong Art Museum. [Photo/tmtsp.com]