‘The Origins of Chinese Civilisation,’ presented by the Bank of China (Hong Kong), is an extraordinary journey through China’s rich history. Co-organised by the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and Art Exhibitions China (AEC), this special exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of China’s 5,000-year-long cultural evolution. Visitors can explore nearly 110 rare artefacts from various archaeological cultures and sites, making it one of the most significant exhibitions in recent years.
A Grand Opening: The Unveiling of Ancient Treasures
The exhibition’s opening ceremony, held at the HKPM in West Kowloon Cultural District, was attended by notable figures, including Raistlin Lau, Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR, Tan Ping, Director of Art Exhibitions China, Henry Tang, Chairman of the Board of WKCDA, Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong), and Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of HKPM. Julian Cheung Chi-lam, the exhibition’s audio guide narrator, and Wang Wei, Chief Advisor of the “Origins of Chinese Civilisation Project,” were also present to mark the occasion.
Showcasing 5,000 Years of Rich Cultural Heritage
The exhibition brings together 110 rare archaeological finds from 14 museums and institutions across China, spanning 5,000 years from the Neolithic period to the Xia Dynasty. These artefacts represent nine archaeological cultures and nine major archaeological sites. They offer insights into early Chinese society’s spiritual and material lives. For the first time, nearly all treasures, including 16 grade-one national treasures, are displayed in Hong Kong.
Raistlin Lau, Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR, highlighted the importance of the exhibition, stating, “The National 14th Five-Year Plan has expressed clear support for Hong Kong to develop into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The West Kowloon Cultural District, as a cultural landmark of Hong Kong, has been a key platform in realising this vision.”
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Journey Through Ancient China in Three Sections
The exhibition is divided into three sections, each representing different stages in Chinese civilisation’s early development:
- Incubation: The Early Formation of Civilisation (about 5,800–5,200 BP): The early signs of civilisation emerged in various regions.
- Inheritance: The Beginning of the Dynastic Era (about 5,200–3,800 BP): The rise of dynastic societies marked a new course of development.
- Flourish: The Development of Ancient State Civilisation (about 3,800–3,500 BP): The establishment of the Xia Dynasty signified the dawn of a new era.
These sections feature three grade-one national treasures – a jade dragon, a jade cong-tube, and a bronze jia-vessel, representing pivotal moments in China’s history.
Audio Guided Narration by Julian Cheung Chi-lam
Renowned Hong Kong singer and actor Julian Cheung Chi-lam lends his voice as the exhibition’s audio guide narrator. Cheung shared his enthusiasm: “I am honoured to participate in this project to promote Chinese culture. The exhibition showcases numerous magnificent archaeological sites, as well as a diverse array of significant treasures, highlighting the rich material and spiritual lives of the Chinese ancestors and their substantial contributions to human civilisation as a whole.”
A Unique Glimpse Into Chinese Civilisation
Tan Ping, Director of Art Exhibitions China, emphasized, “Focusing on the origins and development of Chinese civilisation, the exhibition features a rich tapestry of artefacts ranging from the jade pig-dragon from the Hongshan culture to the jar with plant motifs from the Yangshao culture, alongside precious cultural relics unearthed in Hong Kong.”
Additional Offerings and Educational Initiatives
The exhibition will host a public talk on 25 September 2024, co-hosted with CMG Radio The Greater Bay, featuring esteemed speakers like Wang Wei, Chief Advisor of the “Origins of Chinese Civilisation Project,” and Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of HKPM. The talk will be livestreamed on HKPM’s online platforms and CMG Radio The Greater Bay.
Additionally, HKPM will launch 90 cultural and creative products inspired by ancient civilisations, including mystery toy boxes, accessories, neck cushions, and more. These items will be available at the HKPM gift shop, ART EXPRESS by The Commercial Press.
Admission Details
The exhibition is open to the public from 25 September 2024 to 7 February 2025 in Gallery 8 of the HKPM. Tickets are priced at HK$100 for adults and HK$50 for concessions and can be purchased through the West Kowloon Cultural District’s online ticketing platforms.
