Ancient Silk Road hub comes alive in Beijing exhibition

The Qiuci state, located in what is now Kuqa in Aksu prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, was a thriving, strategically important hub on the ancient Silk Road, where different civilizations and cultures met, exchanged ideas, and blended.

Jiangu Wansui Renmin Xi (May the firm and enduring last forever, and may the people rejoice), an ongoing exhibition at the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum in Beijing, showcases the distinctive and profound cultural heritage that flourished at the height of Qiuci and has been preserved for millennia.

Reproductions and digital recreations bring back the splendor of Qiuci's cave art, which traces the spread of Buddhism in China. Its music and dance, once absorbed into classical Chinese performing arts, have been revived by modern artists. Re-created household courtyards, furnished with everyday items such as pottery, carpets, and hats, offer an immersive experience.

For those who have never been to Kuqa, or who are planning a visit, the exhibition, which runs until April 5, offers a vivid and comprehensive introduction to the region.