US exhibition showcases ancient splendor

"This is a rare chance for Americans to delve into the brilliance of Chinese culture from over 2,000 years ago," he said. "We hope it opens a new window for people, especially young visitors, to appreciate the richness of Chinese history and traditions."

Li from the National Cultural Heritage Administration also said: "I sincerely hope that cultural heritage institutions and museums from China and the US will work closely together, promoting equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness to jointly compose a new chapter of China-US people-to-people exchange."

The Asian Art Museum had the idea of holding the show 10 years ago. It took them five years to prepare, with the help and support of their Chinese counterparts.

Since 2013, it has cooperated with key museums in China to bring the famous Terracotta Warriors and cultural relics of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) to the US. The Phoenix Kingdoms is seen as a prequel to the previous exhibitions.

There are more shows planned by working with Chinese museums, including bringing more Chinese artwork to the US and holding traveling Asian Art Museum exhibitions in China, Xu added.

"The language of art can transcend cultures," said Xu.

The exhibition will run through July 22.