Experts hope cultural exhibit inspires youth

The Hong Kong Palace Museum has opened an exhibition featuring over 100 precious artifacts that span 5,800 years of history, marking one of the most comprehensive displays of the origins and early development of Chinese civilization.

The exhibition is one of several events being held in the city to celebrate the upcoming National Day on Oct 1.

Cultural experts in Hong Kong expressed their hope that the exhibition will encourage young residents to delve into the roots and evolution of Chinese culture and help them foster a deeper appreciation for traditional values.

Considered one of the most comprehensive overviews of the formation and early development of Chinese civilization in recent years, the exhibition will run from Wednesday to Feb 7.

It will showcase nearly 110 precious objects from 14 major cultural institutions on the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong. The artifacts span from the Neolithic period to the Xia Dynasty (c. 21st century-16th century BC), reflecting the lives of ancestors from over 5,800 years ago. Nearly all the treasures are to be displayed in Hong Kong for the first time.

Sixteen of the exhibits are grade-one national treasures, including a jade dragon from the Hongshan culture between 5,000 and 6,000 years ago, which is considered the original representation of the image of a dragon in China.

Other notable objects include a jade tortoise and a seated human figure, both unearthed from the Niuheliang site during the same Hongshan period, reflecting the unique customs of burying the deceased with jade.

Describing the traditional culture as the "root" and soul of the Chinese nation, Louis Ng Chi-wa, the director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, said he hopes that the exhibition will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about Chinese culture and history.

He said he hopes residents will enhance their cultural confidence through understanding the origins and development of Chinese civilization and witnessing its continuity, innovation and inclusiveness.

Henry Tang Ying-yen, chairman of the board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, said the exhibition will offer a compelling glimpse into the lives of Chinese ancestors, who laid the foundation for the enduring Chinese lineage that continues to this day.

Tan Ping, director of Art Exhibition China and co-organizer of the exhibition, said it also showcases precious cultural relics unearthed in Hong Kong.

To better display the precious cultural relics, the exhibition uses a wealth of multimedia technology. For instance, the exhibition brings the ancient Shimao site to life through a 270-degree panoramic multimedia project, with acclaimed Hong Kong singer and actor Julian Cheung Chi-lam narrating the audio guide and leading visitors through the ancient site with his voice.