CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- The Chinese New Year Culture Series: Exhibition of Chinese Zodiac Culture has started recently, where 169 pieces of dragon-related cultural relics are available from January 9 to March 10, 2024, said Chongqing China Three Gorges Museum.

With the theme of Dragon Dance in Chongqing, the exhibition consists of three sections, namely, the King of Insects, the Wisest of All Creatures, and the Purple Air Comes from the East. It starts with Shi Long written by the Southern Song writer Luo Yuan, which introduces the appearance, changes, magical power, and beautiful symbolism of dragons (divine beasts/ auspicious beasts).

The exhibition features a wide range of exhibits, such as jade, bronze, pottery, porcelain, clothing, weaving and embroidery, stone carving, rubbings, New Year pictures, prints, and paper cuts, among which 67 pieces are graded cultural relics. Many exhibits are precious cultural relics, like the dragon-shaped jade plate of the Warring States period, the mirror of the Eastern Han Dynasty with dragon and tiger patterns and inscriptions, the Shujin quilt of the Ming Dynasty with dragon and phoenix patterns, the box with gold dragon patterns made in the Jiaqing Year of the Qing Dynasty, the horseshoe-sleeved gown of the Qing Dynasty with the pattern of golden embroidered dragons, and the belt hook of Qing Dynasty with the patterns of black dragons.

The image of the dragon dates back to 8,000 years ago, said Du Zhiming, the curator of the exhibition. The dragon emerged as a spiritual object of worship incorporating the features of various animals and has gradually been deemed as a symbol of traditional culture and good auspiciousness. It’s now an important part of people's spirituality, folk customs, ethnic groups, religions, politics, art, and many other aspects.

"The dragon is a spiritual animal that protects our ancestors, a divine beast that guards our homeland, an auspicious animal that brings the harvest, as well as a symbol of wisdom, power, auspiciousness, and nationality, which has a profound impact on people. All visitors are welcome to learn about the culture of dragons in the exhibition,” said Du Zhiming.

To create a strong festival atmosphere, Three Gorges Museum will launch three major theme activities, namely, Dragon Dance in China – Intangible Cultural Heritage Activities for Spring Festival, Gifts for the Year of the Dragon, and Good Luck in the Year of the Dragon. Centering on the exhibition, the museum will continue to host “Our Festival” – a series of cultural activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year, which include research and exploration, experience of folk customs, and handcraft making.

(Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)