Unveiling the Journey of the Green Miles: The Steppe Silk Road Exhibition in Hangzhou

Exhibition Details



The long-awaited exhibition titled "Green Miles: The Steppe Silk Road from the 10th to 12th Century" is set to officially open on July 11 at the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou. This event marks a highlight of the 2025 Silk Road Week, promising to captivate visitors with a vibrant display of over 200 artifacts, of which more than 60 are recognized as first-class relics.

This carefully curated exhibition is jointly organized by the museum and cultural institutions from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, aiming to provide a vivid representation of the cultural exchanges that took place along the ancient Steppe Silk Road. The exhibition is designed not only to showcase historical artifacts but also to immerse attendees in the rich tapestry of history that this significant route encapsulated.

The Significance of the Steppe Silk Road



The Steppe Silk Road ran through Eurasia, serving as a crucial northern route connecting nomadic and agricultural civilizations. From the Liao Dynasty (916–1125), which meshed the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty with the elegance of the Song Dynasty and Central Asian dynamics, this route enabled the movement of ideas, goods, and technologies—from horse domestication to metallurgy—forming a pluralistic unity within Chinese civilization.

The Thematic Sections of the Exhibition



The exhibition is thoughtfully divided into four thematic sections:

1. Origins of the Steppe Silk Road: This section tracks prehistoric roots and the expansion during the Liao Dynasty, which transformed the route into a thriving trade network.
2. Footprints of Nomadic and Agricultural Peoples: Here, visitors will learn about the Khitan's innovations in governance, crafts (textiles, ceramics, and metallurgy), and their unique dual management system that fused nomadic traditions with those of the Han Dynasty.
3. Convergence of Civilizations in China: This portion highlights glassware, agate, amber, and crystal from Persia and the Arab world, along with diplomatic artifacts from the Song, Xia, and Jin dynasties.
4. Expansion of the Steppe Silk Road: This section examines the maritime trade of the Liao Dynasty with the Wuyue Kingdom (modern Zhejiang), showcasing exchanges of celadon, silk, and spices for Central Asian treasures.

A Cultural Celebration



A unique aspect of this year's exhibition is the homage to the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which has been designated as an Honorary Guest during the 2025 Silk Road Week. The opening ceremony will feature an exhilarating performance of traditional music played on the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle), highlighting the spirit and grandeur of the steppes. Visitors can look forward to captivating performances of pieces like "Endless Pastures" and "Ten Thousand Horses Galloping."

Visit and Experience



The 'Green Miles' exhibition will be open to the public until October 20, 2025, presenting a rare opportunity to delve into the enduring legacy of this historical Silk Road route and its fascinating exchanges that shaped the cultural landscape of the time. Don't miss the chance to witness history through a diverse collection of artifacts that speak volumes of the interconnections between different civilizations throughout centuries.

Exhibition Image

Topics Entertainment & Media)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.