A Journey Along the Silk Road: The "Green Miles" Exhibition
From July 11, 2025, the China National Silk Museum in Changzhou will proudly present the exhibition titled "Green Miles: The Steppe Silk Road in the 10th to 12th Century." This event marks a highlight of the Silk Road Week 2025 and invites visitors to explore a pivotal period in history that nurtured cultural exchanges across continents.
The exhibition is the result of collaboration between the China National Silk Museum and various cultural institutions from Inner Mongolia, and it will display over 200 artifacts. Among these items, more than 60 are classified as first-class relics, providing a vibrant glimpse into the life and interactions along the ancient steppe Silk Road.
Understanding the Steppe Silk Road
The Steppe Silk Road served as an essential northern corridor traversing Eurasia, linking nomadic and agricultural civilizations. It flourished during the Liao Dynasty (916-1125), blending the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, the elegance of the Song Dynasty, and the dynamism of Central Asia. This route was not only a trade path but a channel for the exchange of ideas, goods, and technologies—spanning from horse domestication to advancements in metallurgy—thus shaping the pluralistic identity of Chinese civilization.
Thematic Highlights of the Exhibition
The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into four thematic sections:
1.
Origins of the Steppe Silk Road - This section traces the prehistoric roots and the expansion during the Liao Dynasty, transforming the road into a thriving trade network.
2.
Tracks of Nomadic and Agricultural Peoples - Highlighting Khitan innovations in governance, craftsmanship (textiles, ceramics, and metalworking), and their dual administrative system where nomadic and agrarian traditions converge.
3.
Confluence of Civilizations in China - Featuring glass products, agates, amber, and crystals from Persia and the Arab world alongside diplomatic artifacts from the Song, Xia, and Jin Dynasties.
4.
Expansion of the Steppe Silk Road - Exploring Liao's maritime trade with the Wu-Yue Kingdom (present-day Zhejiang), the exchange of celadon ceramics, silk, and spices for Central Asian treasures.
Cultural Performances to Enrich the Experience
As part of the opening ceremony, Inner Mongolia will be honored as the guest province during the Silk Road Week 2025, enhancing the event's grandeur with traditional performances featuring the morin khuur (horse-head violin). The ceremony will captivate the audience with profound pieces, including the stirring songs "Boundless Pasture" and "Ten Thousand Galloping Horses," evoking the spirit and majesty of the steppes.
A Unique Opportunity
The "Green Miles" exhibition will remain open until October 20, 2025, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to delve into the enduring legacy of this historic Silk Road corridor. It promises not just to educate but also to inspire a deeper appreciation of the cultural tapestries that have influenced generations.
As visitors traverse the exhibition, they will encounter a time where trade and culture flourished, revealing the interconnectedness that has long defined our world. Don't miss this chance to witness a significant piece of history come alive.