Dunhuang exhibition to open at Nanshan Museum

Nanshan Museum is set to host the largest and most comprehensive Dunhuang culture and art exhibition ever held in South China later this month, showcasing the richest and most extensive collection of Dunhuang relics to date.

A poster for the upcoming Dunhuang culture and art exhibition at Nanshan Museum. Photos from Nanshan Museum's WeChat official account unless otherwise stated

On July 13, the main entrance of the museum was removed to accommodate the massive and precious exhibits from Mogao Grottoes. This was the first time since its opening in 2018 that such an entrance removal operation was conducted to handle the monumental size of the main exhibits.

The exhibition, titled “Dunhuang Splendors Culture and Art Exhibition of Mogao Grottoes,” will raise its curtain July 26, and run through Nov. 23. 

Staff members transport the head of a Buddha statue to the exhibition hall on Nanshan Museum's second floor. 

On July 14 and 15, several monumental pieces were safely transported into the museum’s second-floor exhibition hall with the aid of sophisticated lifting equipment and the coordinated efforts of dozens of staff members. These include the 14-meter-long reclining clay Buddha statue from Cave 158, and the 3.34-meter-tall cross-ankled Maitreya Bodhisattva clay statue from Cave 275 of the Mogao Grottoes. These masterpieces were meticulously 

assembled and installed once inside the museum, preparing for the grand unveiling of the millennia-old art treasure to Shenzhen residents in a spectacular fashion.

The highlights of the Nanshan Museum exhibition are the faithful recreations of six caves from the Mogao Grottoes. In addition to the above-mentioned Cave 275 and Cave 158, the exhibition features Cave 285, celebrated as a “Pantheon of diverse influences;” Cave 320, renowned for its “most beautiful flying apsaras,” Cave 17, regarded as a “key to unlocking medieval world history” and Cave 3, featuring the finely detailed “Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Tyed Guanyin.”

Notably, Caves 3 and 285 of Mogao Grottoes in Gansu Province are closed to the public, making this a rare opportunity to experience their art. Cave 275, the earliest Mogao cave to be digitally reproduced in its entirety, is on display for the first time in this digital format.

A staff member paints the wall of the exhibition hall. Photo from WeChat official account "蛇口消息报"

According to the exhibition crew, the exhibited artifacts are restored to nearly 1:1 scale, offering an authentic viewing experience.

The exhibition will feature a total of 205 precious pieces, including six recreated special caves, four replicated painted sculptures, over 60 wall painting reproductions, and more than 80 sets of rare original artifacts. These exhibits offer an immersive, comprehensive presentation of the enduring culture and timeless allure of Dunhuang.

Visitors can look forward to an inspiring journey through history, art and culture at this grand exhibition at Nanshan Museum from late July to November.

Dates: July 26 to Nov. 23

Add: 2093 Nanshan Boulevard, Nanshan District (南山区南山大道2093号)

Metro: Line 1 or12 to Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B

Opening hours

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday (Last admission at 5 p.m.)

10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Last admission at 8 p.m.)

Closed Monday

Admission fees

Adults: 98 yuan

Students: 68 yuan

Discounted fare (49 yuan) for seniors aged 65 to 70, policemen, firefighters and ex-servicemen

Family ticket packages: 

150 yuan (1 adult and 1 kid)

200 yuan (1 adult and 2 kids) 

230 yuan (2 adults and 1 kid)

280 yuan (2 adults and 2 kids)

Admission free for children under age 6 and seniors aged 70 and above

Reservations

Begin at 10 a.m. July 21

Available time slots

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for Friday and Saturday only