One of the most comprehensive overviews of the origins, formation, and early development of Chinese civilisation in recent years. Acclaimed singer and actor Julian Cheung Chi-lam serves as audio guide narrator, uncovering captivating stories behind archaeological sites and treasures
The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) in the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) and Art Exhibitions China (AEC) today jointly unveil the new special exhibition Bank of China (Hong Kong) Presents: “The Origins of Chinese Civilisation”. The opening ceremony was officiated by Raistlin Lau, Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Tan Ping, Director of Art Exhibitions China; Henry Tang, Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA); Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited; Betty Fung, Chief Executive Officer of the WKCDA; and Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director, HKPM. Notable attendees included Wang Wei, Chief Advisor of the "Origins of Chinese Civilisation Project" and Director of Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, and acclaimed singer and actor Julian Cheung Chi-lam, who narrates the exhibition’s audio guide. Jointly organised by the HKPM and AEC, and sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong), the Museum’s strategic partner, the exhibition will open to the public from tomorrow and run until 7 February 2025.
Featuring nearly 110 precious objects from nine archaeological cultures and nine major archaeological sites, including a jade dragon and a stone relief with a human mask and tigers
Chinese civilisation remains the only ancient civilisation in the world that has continuously developed up to the present day. Its origins are marked by diversity, with different regions and cultures interacting and eventually merging into a cohesive whole, forming a remarkable cultural continuum evincing “diversity in unity”. “The Origins of Chinese Civilisation” highlights national archaeological discoveries of the past two decades in China, featuring nearly 110 rare archaeological finds and significant treasures that span 5,000 years from the Neolithic period to the Xia Dynasty. These treasures are on loan from 14 museums and archaeological institutions in China, from places such as Beijing, Gansu, Liaoning, Anhui, Zhejiang, Shandong, Hubei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Henan, and Hong Kong. They represent nine archaeological cultures and nine major archaeological sites across the country and include 16 grade-one national treasures. Nearly all treasures are displayed in Hong Kong for the first time.
The exhibition is divided into three sections. The first section, “Incubation: The Early Formation of Civilisation (about 5,800–5,200 BP)”: The signs of the early formation of civilisation emerged in various areas along the Yellow River, the West Liao River, and in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The second section, “Inheritance: The Beginning of the Dynastic Era (about 5,200 – 3,800 BP)”: The Hongshan culture of the West Liao River valley began to decline, while civilisation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River and the Yangtze River steered a different course of development. The third section, “Flourish: The Development of Ancient State Civilisation (about 3,800 - 3,500 BP)”: The establishment of the Xia dynasty marked the beginning of a new phase in Chinese civilisation.
Three grade-one national treasures – a jade dragon, a jade cong-tube and a bronze jia-vessel – serve as representative treasures for each of the three periods represented by the sections mentioned above. From the first section, the jade dragon from the mid- to late Hongshan culture (6,000–5,000 BP) is believed to be one of the earliest objects in the form of a dragon in China. From the second section, the jade cong-tube from the Liangzhu culture (5,300–4,300 BP), as a status symbol, is representative of the jade ritual object system of that culture, reflecting the extensive influence of Liangzhu jade culture on surrounding cultures and later periods. Lastly, from the third section, the bronze jia-vessel from the Erlitou culture (3,800–3,500 BP) illustrates the distinctive and highly advanced bronze casting techniques and the gradual formation of the Chinese ritual system that placed an emphasis on the use of bronze vessels.
Many objects serve as vivid evidence of early inhabitants’ appreciation for beauty and their spiritual lives. Among these are terra-cotta sculptures of various forms, including clay figurines of a human figure holding fish (5,300–3,800 BP) from the Shijiahe site, the largest and most well-preserved Neolithic settlement in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Located in Tianmen city, Hubei province, this site yielded numerous jade artefacts showcasing exaggerated or figurative styles, including carvings of human heads (4,200–3,800 BP). These jade figures are considered precursors to the bronze heads found in the sacrificial pits (c. 3,300 –3100 BP) of the Sanxingdui culture, denoting a cultural lineage along the Yangtze River.
Julian Cheung Chi-lam's narration guides visitors through the story of China’s splendid civilisation
The exhibition brings to life the Shimao site, one of the largest prehistoric cities located in Shaanxi province, through a 270-degree panoramic multimedia project. The Shimao site is one of the most important archaeological discoveries in 21st-century China which reshaped our understanding around the Central Plains as the cradle of Chinese civilisation. Designated a national heritage site in 2006, the Shimao site was also recognised as one of the top ten archaeological discoveries of the decade (2011–2020) by the American Archaeological Association's journal Archaeology in 2020. The exhibition also showcases artefacts from the Shimao site, including a stone relief with a human mask and tigers (4,300–3,800 BP). The Museum is pleased to have invited acclaimed Hong Kong singer and actor Julian Cheung Chi-lam to narrate the Cantonese audio guide for the exhibition. Chi-lam will lead visitors through the Shimao site and share captivating stories behind the highlighted objects, offering valuable insights into the context and evolution of Chinese civilisation.
Raistlin Lau, Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the HKSARG, said, “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. As one of the celebratory events for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, “The Origins of Chinese Civilisation” demonstrates how HKPM leverages the West Kowloon Cultural District platform to tell the good stories of China to the Mainland and overseas tourists, and enhance the international influence of our culture.”
Tan Ping, Director of Art Exhibitions China, said, “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. This exhibition aims to explore the developmental pattern of ‘diversity in unity’ that has shaped Chinese civilisation over the centuries and paints a vivid picture of the connectedness and shared cultural roots between Hong Kong and the Mainland.”
Henry Tang, Chairman of the Board of the WKCDA, said, “This exhibition brings together artefacts uncovered from several pivotal archaeological sites, offering a compelling glimpse into the lives of our ancestors who lived 5,800 years ago. These early inhabitants in China laid the foundation for the enduring Chinese lineage that continues to this day. The origins of Chinese civilisation reveal an evolutionary pattern of diversity in unity. This rich civilisation emerged through the convergence, integration, and interaction of diverse groups and regions. We hope visitors, especially students and young people, will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the origins and development of our splendid civilisation, thus fostering a greater sense of cultural confidence and pride.”
Stephen Chan, Deputy Chief Executive, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, BOCHK is honoured to sponsor “The Origins of Chinese Civilisation”. It is the second exhibition in the HKPM’s special exhibition series with the theme of ‘The Origins and Development of Chinese Civilisation’, providing an opportunity to Hong Kong citizens, especially young people, to deeply understand their own cultural roots. To explore where you have been, you will know where you will be — BOCHK has long dedicated ourselves to promoting the development of arts and traditional Chinese culture in Hong Kong, allowing all audiences especially young people to deepen their understanding of and enthusiasm for Chinese history and culture. We will continue to join hands with various sectors to tell the stories of China and Hong Kong SAR well, and to foster cultural and artistic exchanges between China and other countries.”
Julian Cheung, who is delighted to narrate the audio guides for the “The Origins of Chinese Civilisation” special exhibition, said, “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. I invite everyone to visit the exhibition, immerse in these rare treasures, and explore the splendours of Chinese civilisation through my audio guide.”
Following the success of last year's special exhibition, “Gazing at Sanxingdui: New Archaeological Discoveries in Sichuan”, also solely sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong), the Museum will again partner with CMG Radio The Greater Bay to co-host a public talk on 25 September 2024 focusing on the latest research achievements regarding the origins of Chinese civilisation. Featured speakers include Wang Wei, Chief Advisor of the "Origins of Chinese Civilisation Project" and Director of Henan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology and Dr Louis Ng, Museum Director of the HKPM. They will share valuable insights into the extensive archaeological discoveries and in-depth investigations into the origins, formation, and development of Chinese civilisation. The public talk will be livestreamed on the online platforms of the HKPM, as well as CMG Radio The Greater Bay. Other educational offerings associated with the exhibition include the Little Archaeologists Family Workshop and the Coiling Pottery Workshop.
The HKPM will launch 90 cultural and creative products as well as publications inspired by ancient civilisations, including mystery toy boxes, accessories, neck cushions, stationery, magnets, tea sets, and mugs. These products, to be launched in phases, will be available at the HKPM gift shop, ART EXPRESS by The Commercial Press.
Following the inaugural exhibition, “Gazing at Sanxingdui: New Archaeological Discoveries in Sichuan” on view in late 2023, the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Presents: “The Origins of Chinese Civilisation” special exhibition is the second in the HKPM’s special exhibition series with the theme of “The Origins and Development of Chinese Civilisation”, which demonstrates the remarkable continuity, creativity, unity, inclusiveness and peacefulness of Chinese civilisation. “The Origins of Chinese Civilisation” will be open to the public from 25 September 2024 to 7 February 2025 in Gallery 8 of the HKPM. Tickets (including admission to the museum’s thematic exhibitions) for this special exhibition are priced at HK$100 for adults and HK$50 for concessions*# and are available for sale or reservation through the West Kowloon Cultural District’s online ticketing platforms and ticketing partners. Through the special pricing, the Museum hopes to attract more Hong Kong citizens and visitors from around the world to visit the exhibition, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the brilliant achievements of Chinese civilisation. Please refer to the HKPM website for more information.
*Concessions are available to children aged 7 to 11, full-time students, seniors aged 60 and above, persons with disabilities (with one companion), and CSSA recipients.
#Holders of the Full Access Ticket, priced at HK$180 for adults and HK$90 for concessions*, can access this exhibition, “The Adorned Body: French Fashion and Jewellery 1770–1910 from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris” in Gallery 9 as well as other thematic exhibitions (Galleries 1 to 7) on the same day.
Remarks
About the Hong Kong Palace Museum
The Hong Kong Palace Museum aspires to be a leading cultural institution committed to the study and appreciation of Chinese art and culture while advancing dialogue among world civilisations. The Hong Kong Palace Museum is a collaborative project between the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Palace Museum. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust made a donation of HK$3.5 billion for its establishment, as well as some of the annual exhibitions and education programmes in 2023–2031.
Embracing new curatorial approaches, the Museum offers a Hong Kong perspective and a global vision, presenting the finest objects from the Palace Museum and other important cultural institutions around the world. Through research, exhibitions, and educational and professional exchange programmes, the Museum will build international partnerships and help position Hong Kong as a global hub for art and culture. At heart a resource that belongs to the community of Hong Kong, the Museum will inspire community engagement, foster dialogue, and promote creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About Art Exhibitions China
Art Exhibitions China (AEC) is a professional cultural institution established in 1971 under the direct supervision of the National Cultural Heritage Administration of the People’s Republic of China. Its main responsibilities include organising and hosting inbound and outbound exhibitions on archaeological discoveries and ancient art, fostering international collaboration and academic exchange, managing authorisation for cultural and creative development, planning cultural tourism, and conducting policy research, project implementation and think tank consultation on cultural relics. For more than half a century, AEC has undertaken a series of significant state-level exhibition projects and executed nearly 500 cultural relic exhibitions, spanning an extensive range of countries and Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan regions of China. These exhibitions have garnered 100 million viewers, positioning AEC as an important window and platform for cultural heritage exchange and cooperation between China and the world.
Exhibition Partners
Shanxi Culture Relics Bureau, Liaoning Provincial Cultural Heritage Bureau, Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, Anhui Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism (Cultural Heritage Bureau of Shandong Province), Henan Provincial Administration of Cultural Heritage, Department of Culture and Tourism of Hubei Province (Hubei Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration), Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, and Gansu Provincial Bureau of Culture Relics.
Exhibition Supporting Organisations
The Palace Museum, National Museum of China, Shanxi Museum, Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Liangzhu Museum (Liangzhu Research Institute), Hanshan Museum, Shandong University Museum, Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital, Hubei Provincial Museum, Jingzhou Museum, Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, Shaanxi Academy of Archaeology (Shaanxi Archaeological Museum) and Gansu Provincial Museum.
About the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK)
WestK is one of the largest and most ambitious cultural projects in the world. Its vision is to create a vibrant new cultural quarter for Hong Kong on forty hectares of reclaimed land located alongside Victoria Harbour. With a varied mix of theatres, performance spaces, and museums, WestK produces and hosts world-class exhibitions, performances, and cultural events, providing twenty-three hectares of public open space, including a two-kilometre waterfront promenade.
https://www.westk.hk
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