Exploring ancient Chinese literary treasures

Literature enthusiasts can explore exquisitely printed ancient Chinese works alongside classic poems and prose at an exhibition hosted by the Shenzhen Museum's History and Folk Culture Division. The featured books date back to between the Yuan (1271-1368) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Ancient Chinese texts are traditionally classified into four categories — jing (classics), shi (history), zi (philosophy), and ji (literature). Since 2018, the Shenzhen Museum has organized exhibitions featuring selected works from these categories, demonstrating its commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese culture. These exhibitions have garnered widespread acclaim from both experts and visitors alike.

Books of Tang Dynasty poems are on display at Shenzhen Museum’s History and Folk Culture Division. Photos by Cao Zhen

A glance at the exhibition.

The ongoing exhibition, which features 120 ancient books in the ji category, is the seventh and final installment of this series. Visitors can delve into the narratives behind "Lisao" ("On Encountering Sorrow") by Qu Yuan (340-278 B.C.), the literature of the Six Dynasties (222–589), the poetry of the flourishing Tang Dynasty (618-907), and Yuefu poems inspired by folk-ballad traditions.

The exhibition also offers insights into the diverse characters populating historical tales, from nobles and officials to commoners of various backgrounds, highlighting the essential role individuals play in shaping cultural heritage. Complemented by artistic installations and paintings, the exhibition invites visitors to traverse history and experience the profound literary allure of Chinese literature spanning over two millennia.

Books of traditional Chinese dramas are on display.

An installation depicting a scene from classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West."

The meticulously curated ancient book exhibition series at the Shenzhen Museum is the first large-scale showcase of its kind in Guangdong Province. Over the past seven years, the museum has unveiled a treasure trove of rare and valuable editions, highlighting the rich humanistic and historical themes that define various forms of ancient Chinese texts.

Throughout the current exhibition, the museum will host lectures. Registration details are accessible via its official WeChat account (ID: iszbwg).

A glance at the exhibition.

Dates: Until March 15, 2025

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Mondays

Venue: Shenzhen Museum’s History and Folk Culture Division, Futian District (深圳博物馆历史民俗馆)

Metro: Line 2 or 4 to Civic Center Station (市民中心站), Exit B