On September 26, the "A Shining Star: Joint Exhibition of Photos of Lingjiatan Relics" successfully concluded at the National Museum of Bangladesh, marking the end of the "overseas journey" for 50 display panels symbolizing the 50th anniversary of China-Bangladesh diplomatic relations and 38 replica jade artifacts. "This is the first time Lingjiatan culture has been showcased abroad, making its debut in a Belt and Road Initiative partner country," said Lei Xiufo, Director of the Anhui Museum.   

Lingjiatan culture, alongside the Hongshan and Liangzhu cultures, is recognized as one of China's three major prehistoric jade cultures. The Lingjiatan archaeological site, located in Hanshan County, Anhui Province, has yielded a significant number of important jade artifacts since its discovery in 1985. It is a representative site of the first stage of China's "Ancient State Era" and a key component of both the Tracing the Origins of Chinese Civilization project and the national Archaeology China program. 

"Lingjiatan culture serves as a 'key' to narrating the story of Chinese civilization. This exhibition draws on research findings from the Tracing the Origins of Chinese Civilization project to showcase the long history and cultural richness of Chinese civilization," said Lei Xiufo, who recently returned from Bangladesh. 

The exhibition was divided into three sections: "Mysterious Burial Practices," "Enigmatic Jade Rituals," and "Ancient Hearth and Home." Through display panels and replica jade artifacts, it featured iconic Lingjiatan cultural relics such as jade eagles, jade dragons, and jade human figures, highlighting the site's abundant historical remains and profound cultural significance. Since its opening on August 25, the exhibition has attracted over 12,000 visitors.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, as well as the Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges. "We designed a lightweight exhibition solution combining display panels and replica jade artifacts, which is secure and cost-effective, with expenses only half of those for exhibiting genuine artifacts. This made it possible to bring Lingjiatan culture to Bangladesh," said Lei Xiufo.

"Cultural exchanges and resonance have deepened the friendship between our two countries," noted Li Shaopeng, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh. He emphasized that this was the first historical cultural relics photo exhibition held by China in Bangladesh in recent years, significantly enhancing mutual learning and exchange between Chinese and Bangladeshi civilizations.

Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh on Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stated that the exhibition was not only a display of art and heritage but also a dialogue between the two nations. In the guestbook at the exhibition hall, comments such as "Applaud the cultural exchange" and "Long-lasting friendship between the two countries" frequently appeared. One visitor wrote: "Chinese civilization is astonishing and a pride of the world."

"We will deepen civilizational dialogue with Belt and Road partner countries. In the next two years, we plan to bring the Lingjiatan Culture Photo Exhibition to countries including Armenia," Lei Xiufo added.

Source: Anhui Daily