#China #Hangzhou #Cultural Exchange #Steppe Silk Road

Historical Exhibition in Hangzhou

The much-anticipated exhibition, 'Verdant Miles: The Steppe Silk Road in the 10th to 12th Century,' is set to open its doors at the China National Silk Museum on July 11, 2025. This event is part of the larger 2025 Silk Road Week celebration. Together with various cultural institutions from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the museum has curated a fascinating array of over 200 artifacts, including more than 60 classified as first-class relics. This collection promises to provide visitors a vivid glimpse into the cultural richness and exchanges along the ancient Steppe Silk Road.

The Steppe Silk Road: A Cultural Lifeline

Stretching across the vast expanses of Eurasia, the Steppe Silk Road served as a crucial northern corridor connecting nomadic and agrarian civilizations. Originating during the Liao Dynasty (916–1125), it facilitated not just trade in goods but also the exchange of innovative ideas, technologies, and cultural practices. As cultures met and mingled, the dynamics of societies evolved, resulting in a rich tapestry of shared heritage that shaped the pluralistic fabric of Chinese civilization.

Exhibition Themes

The exhibition is segmented into four thematic sections:

1. Origins of the Steppe Silk Road
- This section traces the prehistoric beginnings of the route, emphasizing its development during the Liao Dynasty and its emergence as a bustling trade network.

2. Nomadic and Agrarian Peoples
- Here, visitors can explore Khitan innovations across governance and crafts, showcasing textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and a unique dual-administration system that blended nomadic lifestyles with Han traditions.

3. Confluence of Civilizations
- This theme highlights artifacts such as glassware, agate, amber, and crystal from Persia and the Arab world, alongside diplomatic treasures from the Song, Xia, and Jin dynasties, illustrating the vibrant exchanges between diverse cultures.

4. Expansion of the Silk Road
- The intricate trade relationships are examined, with a spotlight on seaborne trade conducted during the Liao period with the Wuyue Kingdom (modern-day Zhejiang), where Central Asian treasures were exchanged for delicacies like silk and celadon.

Celebrating Inner Mongolia's Heritage

This year's Guest Province of Honor, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, will greatly enrich the exhibition's opening ceremony with captivating performances of the traditional morin khuur (horse-head fiddle). Melodies like 'The Boundless Grassland' and 'Ten Thousand Horses Galloping' will echo the enduring spirit of the steppes and its people, creating a breathtaking atmosphere for all attendees.

'Verdant Miles' will welcome visitors until October 20, 2025, offering a remarkable opportunity to delve into the lasting legacy of this historic Silk Road corridor and its significance in the world today. This exhibition not only celebrates the past but also emphasizes the importance of cultural connectivity and understanding in our increasingly globalized society.