International Museum Day: Fuzhou Sparks a Cultural and Museum Boom
International Museum Day: Fuzhou Sparks a Cultural and Museum Boom
Two Cities on the Silk Road, A Millennium of Tang Legacy Across Mountains and Seas
A city thrives on its culture, and culture flourishes through the city. On May 18, the Fuzhou Museum kicked off its 2025 International Museum Day series of events, themed “Echoes of Tang and Song: A Millennium of Cultural Resonance.” Hosted by the Fuzhou Cultural Relics Bureau and co-organized by the Fuzhou Museum, Fuzhou Daily, and the Fujian Shen Shaoan Lacquer Art Museum, the celebration featured joint exhibitions, educational workshops, art performances, and interactive experiences, creating a comprehensive cultural feast that bridges past and future, and brings museums closer to the public.
A Visitor in Tang-Style Attire at the Exhibition.
Shared Roots on the Silk Road: Opening a New Chapter of Sister City Partnership
Xi’an and Fuzhou, two provincial capitals nearly a thousand li (500 kilometers) apart, are linked by their shared Silk Road heritage and a natural harmony between mountains and seas. The centerpiece of this year’s International Museum Day series—the touring exhibition “A Time of Plenty: Life of a Tang County Princess” (Fuzhou)—marks a new chapter in the sister city partnership.
At the opening ceremony of the touring exhibition (Fuzhou) on May 18, Li Yan, Deputy Curator of Xi’an Museum, explained that the museum is located at the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, near the central axis of Zhuque Avenue in Tang-era Chang’an. Since opening its doors on May 18, 2007, Xi’an Museum has been committed to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage. It now stands as a top-tier national museum, serving as a World Cultural Heritage site, a major historical and cultural site protected at the national level, a historic architectural complex, and a modern exhibition space all in one.
County Princess Jinxiang was the granddaughter of Li Yuan, Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty, and the daughter of Prince Teng, Li Yuanying. Thirty years ago, the rescue excavation of County Princess Jinxiang’s tomb offered a glimpse into the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. The artifacts unearthed from the tomb not only showcase exquisite craftsmanship but also vividly depict the prosperity and openness of the Tang Dynasty through their diverse and romantic themes. In 2022, Xi’an Museum meticulously curated the original exhibition “A Time of Plenty: Life of a Tang County Princess,” which was named one of the top 100 most popular exhibitions in China’s cultural heritage sector that year. On the occasion of this International Museum Day, the exhibition was held in Fuzhou—its fifth and final stop on the nationwide tour.
Li Yan noted that this exhibition has opened a new chapter in the sister city cooperation between Fuzhou, a key hub on the Maritime Silk Road, and Xi’an, the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. She expressed hope that the collaboration would further deepen cultural exchanges between the two cities, presenting audiences with a cultural feast that blends artistic excellence with historical narrative, while celebrating the optimistic, open-minded, and inclusive spirit of Tang-era Chang’an.
Chen Cheng, Deputy Director of the Fuzhou Cultural Relics Bureau, said that Fuzhou, a flourishing gateway on the Maritime Silk Road, and Xi’an, the starting point of the Silk Road connecting East and West, though separated by a thousand li, are united by a shared cultural bond rooted in Silk Road civilization. Since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation between the two cities last October, cultural and tourism exchanges have flourished, yielding impressive results. The touring exhibition “A Time of Plenty: Life of a Tang County Princess” (Fuzhou), which opened on May 18, is a testament to the growing cultural collaboration between Fuzhou and Xi’an. The Fuzhou Cultural Relics Bureau will continue to draw on Xi’an’s experience to further strengthen the protection, preservation, and revitalization of the city’s historical and cultural heritage, and to further enhance Fuzhou’s status as a National Famous Historical and Cultural City.
The Fuzhou Museum and the Fujian Shen Shaoan Lacquer Art Museum signed a strategic cooperation agreement.
Worth Multiple Visits, Touring Exhibition Ignites Cultural and Museum Boom
News of the upcoming touring exhibition “A Time of Plenty: Life of a Tang County Princess” has been flooding Fuzhou’s social feeds, capturing widespread attention. On May 18, the Fuzhou Museum welcomed a large and diverse crowd of locals, tourists, and culture enthusiasts from all around.
“This exhibition is definitely worth visiting multiple times! As a Hanfu (traditional clothing of the Han Chinese) enthusiast, I used to study Tang dynasty noblewomen’s clothing and hairstyles only through books and pictures. Being able to see such an impressive exhibition up close—right here in my hometown—is truly amazing!” said Qiao Yuanfen, dressed in the iconic Tang dynasty round-collar robe.
The reporter noticed a steady flow of young visitors—many intentionally dressed in Tang and Song dynasty attire—coming to explore the exhibition. Whether admiring the “Illustrated System of Formal Dress and Jewelry for Tang Dynasty Imperial Consorts and Noblewomen” or checking out displays like “Hu Hats and Fan Hats” and “Tang Dynasty Women’s Makeup Illustrations,” these educational exhibits based on cultural relics attracted numerous young people eager to deepen their understanding of Hanfu.
Standing before the pottery figures of women clad in Hu-style and men’s attire, visitors admired the Tang dynasty women’s blend of strength and elegance, as well as their rich, vibrant way of life. In front of the Fengniu pottery figurine—a symbol of the Silk Road—they marveled at the fascinating exchange between Eastern and Western civilizations. Surrounded by a splendid collection of animal and livestock figurines, they praised the Tang dynasty’s abundant resources, prosperous people, and dynamic spirit...
“According to ancient records, the County Princess Jinxiang’s residence was located on Tianjie Street in Tang-era Chang’an—just over 400 meters from where the Xi’an Museum stands today. So, she was our neighbor over 1,300 years ago!” On the morning of May 18, Tian Jiwei, Head of the Education and Promotion Department at Xi’an Museum, led guests and children on a study tour to explore the exhibition together. The County Princess Jinxiang in the Tang dynasty—depicted riding horses, hunting, and dressed in men’s clothing—came vividly to life through Tian Jiwei’s vivid narration. Her free-spirited way of life offered everyone a glimpse into the vibrant world of the Tang dynasty.
The children participating in the study tour took a group photo at the Fuzhou Museum.
On the afternoon of May 18, Li Yan, Deputy Curator of Xi’an Museum, delivered a special lecture titled The Western Wind Blowing Through: County Princess Jinxiang and Her Era, which packed Fuzhou Museum’s lecture hall beyond capacity, with attendees spilling into the aisles.
Li Yan’s lecture included four parts: “The Identity of Princess Jinxiang,” “The Noble Status of Princess Jinxiang and Her Husband as Reflected in Unearthed Artifacts,” “The Historical Significance of Artifacts from Princess Jinxiang’s Tomb,” and “The Importance of Transforming Archaeological Findings into Museum Exhibitions.” Through the lecture, she unveiled the world of Princess Jinxiang and her era to the audience. The two-hour presentation was packed with fascinating details, leaving the live audience thoroughly engaged. Beyond the on-site attendees, the event also attracted over 2 million online viewers.
“In our work, we continuously integrate the latest research findings into lectures and exhibitions, drawing more students and non-specialists into the museum,” said Li Yan. She noted that the touring exhibition (Fuzhou) continues the design concept and exhibition layout of the Xi’an edition, but features more striking color schemes and more professional lighting. “A truly great exhibition should blend both scientific insight and artistic expression. I hope our friends in Fuzhou will enjoy this exhibition, and I warmly invite you to visit the Xi’an Museum to experience the timeless charm of this ancient capital.”
“A Time of Plenty: Life of a Tang County Princess” debuted at the Fuzhou Museum.
Ye Jianfei (right) guided a child in restoring ancient ceramics.
Museums Serve as a “Second Classroom” for Cultural Inheritance
Nothing, not even mountains and oceans, can separate people with shared goals and vision. Last year, on International Museum Day, Fuzhou Museum signed a strategic partnership agreement with the CMG Meta Museum. To support and respond to the large-scale youth cultural heritage project, “Cultural Heritage · Young Museum Experts,” jointly launched by the China Center for Children’s Development Services and the CMG Meta Museum, Fuzhou Museum has actively organized learning, hands-on practice, and training programs for young heritage enthusiasts. This initiative fully highlights the museum’s central role in cultural preservation and social education. At the launch ceremony on May 18, four young heritage enthusiasts stepped into the role of junior docents, each sharing the story behind an artifact from the Fuzhou Museum’s collection, receiving warm applause from the audience.
This year, International Museum Day fell on the weekend. On May 18, the Fuzhou Museum not only launched the exhibition “A Time of Plenty: Life of a Tang County Princess,” but also became a “second classroom” for youth learning and engagement.
On May 18, the Fuzhou Museum kicked off its 2025 International Museum Day series of events, themed “Echoes of Tang and Song: A Millennium of Cultural Resonance.”
After visiting the exhibition “A Time of Plenty: Life of a Tang County Princess,” the children participating in the 2025 Fuzhou Museum’s International Museum Day study tour continued to explore two of the museum’s permanent exhibitions: “Splendid Fuzhou - An Exhibition of Historical and Cultural Heritage” and “Gateway to the Maritime Silk Road - A Special Exhibition on Fuzhou’s Maritime Silk Road Cultural Heritage.”
In the Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Zone, artifact restoration expert Ye Jianfei personally guided parents and children through the delicate process of restoring damaged ancient ceramics. Chen Weiping, a representative inheritor of cold-condensed incense, joined the children in crafting twelve zodiac incense charms. At the same time, Lin Xiang, a Fuzhou softwood painting artist, encouraged the kids to unleash their creativity, using the innovative “Softwood Painting+” technique to deepen their appreciation of this intangible cultural heritage.
“Blue and White Covered Jar Decorated with Blossoming Plum and Cracked Ice, Kangxi period, Qing dynasty,” “Song Dynasty Green Glazed and Brown-Spotted Covered Multi-Spouted Ceramic Teapot,” “Song Dynasty Shoushan Stone Figurine of an Artist Waving His Hand,” “Southern Song Dynasty Cross-Collar Silk Robe for Women,” “Tang Dynasty Pottery Figurine of An Equestrian Hunter”… Many of the children, with their “Fuzhou Museum Treasure Hunt Handbook” in hand, explored every exhibition in the museum in search of these treasures, collecting stamps along the way to earn cultural and creative souvenirs.
Children taking part in the study tour were making bleached lacquer fans.
Museum Partnerships Boost the High-Quality Growth of Cultural Heritage Programs
This year’s International Museum Day is themed “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities.” Public expectations for museums have shifted beyond their traditional role as “treasure houses” toward serving as “cultural hubs.” In this context, the institutional strengths of public museums and the dynamic flexibility of private museums now work in concert, driving progress and generating powerful momentum for the sector.
To further enhance learning and exchange among cultural heritage institutions, leverage complementary strengths, deepen inter-museum collaboration, and drive the high-quality development of the cultural heritage sector, the Fuzhou Museum has established a strategic partnership with the Fujian Shen Shaoan Lacquer Art Museum. On May 18, Lin Xinzhou, Party Branch Secretary and Deputy Curator of the Fuzhou Museum, and Shi Liling, Curator of the Fujian Shen Shaoan Lacquer Art Museum, signed the “Strategic Cooperation Agreement between Fuzhou Museum and Fujian Shen Shaoan Lacquer Art Museum.” Going forward, the two museums will center their collaboration around the theme of “Fuzhou Museum Culture.” Through four key initiatives—joint exhibitions, academic collaboration, cultural and creative product development, and educational programs—they aim to create a cross-temporal dialogue between the Fuzhou Museum’s treasured collections and Shen Shaoan’s century-old lacquer craftsmanship. This partnership will also explore the fusion of intangible cultural heritage and digital technology, sparking innovations.
Visitors at the Exhibition “A Time of Plenty: Life of a Tang County Princess.”
Shi Liling explained that the Shen Shaoan Lacquer Art Museum seeks not only to use lacquer as a medium to showcase China’s role as the “origin of the Maritime Silk Road,” but also to create an international platform for cultural exchange through its ties with overseas Chinese communities. In partnering with the Fuzhou Museum, the museum aims to nurture a new generation of cultural heritage talent in Fuzhou—deeply rooted in tradition yet with a global outlook—via initiatives such as “Exploring Collections Through Exhibitions” and the “Young Museum Experts · Mentoring Program.”
On the afternoon of May 18, the children taking part in the study tour visited the Shen Shaoan Lacquer Art Museum, a branch venue of the International Museum Day events, where they immersed themselves in a range of hands-on cultural heritage activities.
A young cultural heritage enthusiast was explaining an artifact from the Fuzhou Museum’s collection.
Guo Moruo once highly praised Fuzhou’s bodiless lacquerware as “light as a feather when lifted, yet as solid as nine ancient cauldrons when viewed. Truly unmatched in the world, seemingly one of a kind on earth.” At the Shen Shaoan Lacquer Art Museum, renowned for its immersive lacquer art environment, Wei Zhuanhuang, editorial board member and Director of the Editing and Distribution Center of Fuzhou Evening News, shared poetic reflections with the children that capture the unique charm of Fuzhou.
At the Lacquer Art Museum, the children couldn’t wait to try their hand at lacquer-making, enthusiastically lining up to make lacquer fans. Yu Duanzhao, former Vice President and Secretary-General of the Fujian Calligraphers Association, honored the excellent participants with calligraphic inscriptions and wrote the event’s theme—“Echoes of Tang and Song: A Millennium of Cultural Resonance”—on the fans. (Fuzhou Evening News Reporter: Guan Shu/Text; Lin Shuangwei/Photo)