In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) is hosting a captivating exhibition titled ‘The Origins of Chinese Civilisation’. This special exhibition, presented by Bank of China (Hong Kong), will be open to the public from September 25, 2024, to February 7, 2025.
Jointly organized by the HKPM and Art Exhibitions China, the exhibition delves deep into the rich tapestry of Chinese civilization, spanning over 5,000 years. Drawing inspiration from the “Origins of Chinese Civilisation Project,” a national research initiative launched in 2002, the exhibition showcases the remarkable findings of extensive archaeological surveys and in-depth studies.
‘The Origins of Chinese Civilisation’ follows the success of the HKPM’s inaugural exhibition, “Gazing at Sanxingdui: New Archaeological Discoveries in Sichuan,” which featured 120 artifacts from ancient China. This new exhibition, however, promises an even deeper dive into the enduring legacy of Chinese culture, highlighting its origins, continuity, inclusiveness, and unity.
Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to witness nearly 110 precious artifacts, including 16 grade-one national treasures, on loan from 14 major cultural institutions across China. These extraordinary items, representing the diverse cultural heritage of regions such as Beijing, Gansu, Liaoning, Anhui, Zhejiang, Shandong, Hubei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan, and Hong Kong, are making their first appearance in Hong Kong. The collection encompasses ceramics, jades, stone sculptures, bronze objects, and more, dating back to the mid-to-late Neolithic period to the Xia dynasty (approximately 8,200 to 3,500 years before present).
Among the exhibition’s highlights are a cloud-shaped jade plaque from the Hongshan culture, a jade cong-tube from the Liangzhu culture, a jade ring with cicada from the Dawenkou culture, a jade tiger from the Post-Shijiahe culture, and a bronze jia-vessel from the Erlitou culture. Other notable pieces include a jar with plant motifs from the Yangshao culture, a jade dragon from the Hongshan culture (believed to be one of the earliest depictions of a dragon in China), a drum from the Taosi culture, and a stone sculpture from the Shimao archaeological site in Shaanxi province.
To enhance the visitor experience, the exhibition incorporates immersive multimedia displays that bring the crowning achievements of ancient China to life. A standout attraction is the multimedia installation that reconstructs the Shimao archaeological site, offering visitors an immersive experience of one of China’s largest prehistoric stone cities.
In addition to the exhibition itself, the HKPM will host a variety of educational programs, including hands-on archaeological workshops and public lectures by leading experts, aimed at deepening the public’s understanding of Chinese archaeology and heritage.
‘The Origins of Chinese Civilisation’ will be held in Gallery 8 of the HKPM from September 25, 2024, to February 7, 2025. Tickets for the exhibition are priced at HK$100 for adults and HK$50 for concessions and will be available for purchase or reservation starting August 23 through the West Kowloon Cultural District’s online ticketing platforms. The Museum also offers a Full Access Ticket, priced at HK$180 for adults and HK$90 for concessions, which grants entry to this exhibition and others within the Museum on the same day.
Through this special exhibition, the Museum aims to engage both local and international visitors, providing them with a deeper appreciation of China’s illustrious cultural achievements.
