26/10/2016 – 27/12/2016

Special Exhibition Gallery, Hong Kong Museum of History

Jointly presented by 
Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Ningbo Bureau of Culture Radio & TV, Press and Publication
Art Exhibitions China

Jointly organised by
Hong Kong Museum of History
Ningbo Museum
Art Exhibitions China

The Maritime Silk Road was a major conduit for foreign trade in ancient China. Maritime trade began as early as the Qin and Han dynasties, and reached its peak during the Song and Yuan period. The Maritime Silk Road comprised of two major shipping routes: the East China Sea route linking China with the Korean Peninsula and Japanese archipelago; and the South China Sea route reaching from China westwards to Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Major Maritime Silk Road cities in China such as Penglai, Yangzhou, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Zhangzhou, Guangzhou, and Beihai played important roles in the development of maritime transport and trade. From the south-eastern ports and through the South China Sea to the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, Chinese silk, pottery, tea, and other goods were sent to the Arabian world and other locations in Asia and Africa. Spices, woollen textiles, ivory, and other commodities flowed into China from overseas. Although the Maritime Silk Road suffered the restrictions of a maritime trade ban during the Ming and Qing period, exchanges between China and foreign countries never stopped. In addition to facilitating the exchange of goods, the Maritime Silk Road also promoted the interaction and integration of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures. This exhibition is a cultural exchange programme of Mainland China-Hong Kong-Macao in 2016, supported by the Chinese Culture Friendship Association. By using the cultural relics from eight Maritime Silk Road cities, as well as artefacts from Hong Kong, the exhibition elaborates upon the roles and functions each had as they grew and prospered on the Maritime Silk Road. The exhibition also reflects upon the impact and contribution of the Maritime Silk Road on the development of the world's civilisations.

Besides the precious artefacts about the Maritime Silk Road, the exhibition features a number of interactive programmes, such as the interactive map of Maritime Silk Road, "My merchant ship" and "Guess the ancient places" etc. which aim to provide the audience with different museum experiences and deeper understanding of the exhibition subject.