#China #Hangzhou #Silk Road #Verdant Miles

Exhibition Overview

The much-anticipated exhibition "Verdant Miles: The Silk Road of the Steppes from the 10th to the 12th Century" is set to be inaugurated on July 11, 2025, at the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou. This event marks a significant highlight during the "Silk Road Week 2025." Co-organized by the museum and cultural institutions from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, this exhibition promises to offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the rich historical and cultural exchanges that occurred along this ancient route.

Importance of the Silk Road

Historically, the Silk Road was a vital northern corridor that connected nomadic and agrarian civilizations across Eurasia. Its origins stretch back to the Liao Dynasty (916-1125), bringing together the greatness of the Tang Dynasty, the elegance of the Song, and the vibrant influences of Central Asia. The peoples of the steppes, particularly the Khitan, utilized this route to facilitate the sharing of ideas, goods, and technologies—from horse domestication and metallurgy to artistic exchanges.

Exhibit Highlights

The exhibition will feature over 200 artifacts, with more than 60 classified as first-class relics. These items will be organized into four thematic sections:

1. Origins of the Steppe Silk Road: This section will explore the prehistoric roots and expansion of the Silk Road under the Liao Dynasty, illustrating its transformation into a thriving trade network.
2. Tracks of the Nomadic and Agrarian Peoples: This display will showcase Khitan innovations in governance, craftsmanship (including textiles, ceramics, and metallurgy), and a dual administration system that blended nomadic traditions with Han Chinese influence.
3. Confluence of Diverse Civilizations in China: Visitors can expect to see exquisite glassware, agate, amber, and crystal sourced from Persia and the Arab world, along with diplomatic artifacts from the Song, Xia, and Jin dynasties.
4. Expansion of the Silk Road: This segment will dive into maritime commerce during the Liao period with the Wuyue Kingdom (modern Zhejiang), highlighting the exchange of celadon, silk, and spices for treasures from Central Asia.

Special Features and Cultural Events

As part of this exhibition's inauguration, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region will be honored as a guest province during the Silk Road Week 2025. The opening ceremony will feature captivating performances, including traditional songs played on the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), with emotional renditions of pieces like "The Boundless Grassland" and "Ten Thousand Horses Galloping," celebrating the spirit and grandeur of the steppes.

The "Verdant Miles" exhibition will remain open to visitors until October 20, 2025, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the enduring legacy of this historic Silk Road corridor. This exhibition is not only a showcase of ancient artifacts but also a celebration of the rich and diverse cultural exchanges that have shaped our world today. Don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible journey through time!

Conclusion

The opening of the "Verdant Miles" exhibition promises to be a spectacular event, intertwining elements of history, culture, and art. It aims to educate and inspire a deep appreciation for the historical significance of the Silk Road, making it an unmissable experience for history enthusiasts, scholars, and the general public alike. As the world increasingly recognizes the importance of cultural heritage, exhibitions like this serve to remind us of our shared past and the vibrant tapestry of human civilization.