In almost all parts of the world, there are Chinese people who migrated from their native countries to settle in a foreign land where they establish their own communities. Chinatowns are part of many countries' society just like in the city of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia.

In 1851, there were Chinese prospectors who took part in searching for gold during the Victorian Gold Rush. It was also the year when the Oldest Chinatown in Australia was established within the Central Business District of Melbourne.

Within this Chinatown is found the Museum of Chinese Australian History, itself is a living part of the modern Chinatown. It was a museum conceived in 1985 which aims to file, conserve and put on show the history of Australians with Chinese blood in them. Aside from the altering exhibits, there are also tours and public seminars to commemorate the Australian Chinese community's earlier period, culture and heritage. So popular and informative a museum that over 20, 000 visitors, mainly composed of school children, visit the museum yearly to learn about a multi-faceted culture, Australian Chinese history, Chinese arts and crafts, language, festivals and traditions.

On permanent display inside this museum in Melbourne [http://www.business.com.au/business-directory/museums/state-vic/location-melbourne-metro/] are:

• On the lower level is the Finding Gold showcase that imitates the probable event that occurred during the 19th century when Chinese prospectors hunted for gold. As you walk through the displays, you will be brought back to the time when Cantonese men journeyed on a steamer in hopes of meeting with fortune. You will also be absorbed in the recollection of the Chinese gold seekers experience by looking at a diorama featuring a winding deep lead mine and an elaborate goldfields. Your own fortune can also be foretold in the temple of Guan Gong then afterwards be entertained from a Cantonese opera inside a tent theater. A Chinese lottery is also present where diggers take part and win.


• From the ground floor, you may walk further to reach the lower ground where the Millennium Dragon Dai Loong is located for hibernation. This dragon awakens each year for the Chinese Spring Festival between January and February and also for the Moomba Festival during the month of March. Dai Loong, the Millennium Dragon is the largest in the world measuring more than 3 meters high and requires 6 people to carry just the head. In addition to Dai Loong, there are also other three processional Chinese Dragons found in the museum which took part in the Melbourne's 100-year-old tradition that celebrates the still continuing survival and existence of Melbourne's Chinese community. During a dragon procession, expect to see and witness Chinese ceremonial objects, banners, lanterns and even lions.


• On the third floor of the museum are the exhibits depicting the history and culture of the Chinese people in Australia. Starting from the foremost 19th century migrants up to the most recent advents of immigration. In this gallery you will also find the museum's collection of various items from furniture to 19th century pottery which it accrued in 20 years. Aside from the already mentioned exhibits, the museum also showcases some traditional wedding dresses, shoes especially made and worn by women whose feet were bounded and other opera costumes.