In Changdao, an archipelago in Yantai, East China's Shandong province, a "trash museum" is gaining attention — not for rare treasures, but for the stories its garbage tells.

Founded by young artist Fu Junsheng, this unique eco-art space uses marine debris collected over nearly a decade to highlight the lasting impact of human activity on the sea. The museum gives a voice to ocean waste.

The "trash museum" is located between Jiuzhangya Cliff and Yueya Bay Scenic Area on Changdao Island. [Photo/WeChat account: changdaofabu]

Situated on the frontline of ecological protection for the Yellow and Bohai Seas, Changdao constantly has debris washed ashore by ocean currents and winds. In 2017, Fu arrived for a public project. Deeply connected to the sea, he found new inspiration in the trash, turning his cleanup efforts into artistic creation.

From a driftwood "brain" to a "rainbow" made of plastic fragments and "sentient beings" assembled from thousands of sandals, Fu gives life to discarded objects. His work explores the deep connection between human activity and the marine ecosystem.

Fu Junsheng spends nearly a decade collecting marine debris to create a unique eco-art space. [Photo/WeChat account: changdaofabu]

"From 2017 until now, I have been collecting all kinds of floating objects on the island to build this museum," Fu said. Having given up a stable art career in the city, he patrols Changdao's shores after high winds and low tides, gathering his "materials".

For Fu, protecting the ocean is everyone's responsibility. He calls his small museum the "Ocean Waste Art Theater". Through art, he advocates a shift from "one person picking up trash" to "everyone picking up trash", turning ecological protection into a shared mission.

An art installation made from discarded gas canisters, iron drums, and other materials. [Photo/WeChat account: changdaofabu]