'Loneliness museum' provides safe space for the lonesome

Han recalled his grandfather died of cancer in the beginning of 2018, when he was on a trip to Nepal.

"When I went back home and took out my belongings one by one from the suitcase, tears fell and I couldn't face the reality he was no longer here," Han said. "It was the loneliest moment of my life."

He said it made him realize an activity or travel might not relieve loneliness for him. And thus he decided to create a museum for lonely people.

A report released by the Institute of Psychology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in February showed in adolescence, or from 12 to 18 years old, the mental health index of people decreased with age and in the adult stage the index increased gradually, which meant people experience a mental health downturn at young age.

"We hope to open more loneliness museums in various places all over the country," Han added.