Qianhai Museum to open in September with 7 exhibitions

Qianhai Museum, a new cultural landmark in Shenzhen, is set to open to the public for trial operations in late September. The museum will showcase more than 3,000 precious cultural relics across seven major exhibitions, unfolding the story of 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.

A joint project between the Shenzhen Municipal Government and the National Museum of China, Qianhai Museum sits against the backdrop of Dananshan and Xiaonanshan mountains and overlooks Qianhai Bay. The complex covers a total floor area of 126,000 square meters, with 40,000 square meters of exhibition space distributed across more than 30 halls.

Computer-generated images of Qianhai Museum.

Designed by a team led by He Jingtang, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the building’s exterior draws inspiration from the traditional Chinese architectural motif of “overlapping eaves.” In the contemporary design, the motif is reinterpreted through layered forms that provide natural shade while creating a distinctive silhouette.

Here’s a quick look at the seven major exhibitions:

‘Exhibition of General History of Ancient China’

Co-organized by the National Museum of China and the Shenzhen Museum, the exhibition traces the development of Chinese civilization from its earliest origins to the Ming and Qing dynasties. 

Through representative artifacts, it highlights key milestones — early pre-Qin foundations, unification under the Qin and Han, the prosperity of the Sui and Tang, cultural integration in the Song and Yuan, and the consolidation of the Ming and Qing — showing how China’s cultural, economic, social, and technological progress evolved over time.

‘The Ancient Chinese Jade Artifacts Collected by the National Museum of China’

Jade — “the essence of the earth” — has shaped a distinctive legacy in world history. The exhibition follows jade’s changing roles across different eras: from mysterious objects in prehistoric times, to ritual vessels of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, to symbols of virtue in the pre-Qin period, and later decorative ornaments. It is a journey into the spirit and refinement of Chinese civilization.

‘Ancient Chinese Porcelain from National Museum of China’

Porcelain captures both the everyday lives and aesthetic sensibilities of generations of Chinese people. This exhibition presents the development of ancient Chinese porcelain, shifting tastes in its use and beauty, and its role as a global commodity — traveling across the world to become an enduring symbol of China.

Posters for the upcoming exhibitions at Qianhai Museum are on display at Shenzhen Museum’s pavilion at the 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair. Photo from Shenzhen Museum

‘Blue and Azure Underglaze: A Millennium of Tempered Porcelain Art’

Blue-and-white porcelain reflects centuries of craftsmanship and cross-cultural exchange. Covering everything from raw material selection and firing techniques to painting styles and new forms, the exhibition showcases how the craft has continuously evolved, revealing the diverse cultural interactions embedded in each work.

‘Bronze Resonance, Ritual Splendor: A Special Exhibition on Ritual and Musical Civilization’

Bronze opened the door to early civilization; ritual and music formed the cultural foundations of order and belief in ancient China. Centered on the theme of “ritual and music in harmony,” the exhibition features various bronze vessels that shaped ritual systems in the Shang and Zhou periods, alongside bells and chime stones used in ceremonies and banquets — illustrating ancient China’s ideal of cosmic order through ritual and universal harmony through music.

‘Boundless Wind: Legacy of the Silk Road’

The Silk Road was more than a trade route — it was a millennium-old corridor for cultural exchange. From Zhang Qian’s westward journeys onward, different peoples and civilizations shared goods, techniques, aesthetics, and beliefs. The exhibition features Tang sancai and rare foreign artifacts, along with immersive digital installations, recreating the open and inclusive spirit of the Tang era and celebrating mutual learning along the Silk Road.

‘Clear Mind, Tranquil Heart: Buddhist Sculpture Art Exhibition’

This exhibition presents a thousand years of Buddhist sculptural art, carrying a timeless beauty that transcends centuries. It includes figures from central China, Mongolia, and the Ming and Qing courts, reflecting the blending of multiple artistic traditions. Works in Nepalese and Indian styles are also included — from the elegance of the Pala Dynasty to the refined craftsmanship of Nepal.

A computer-generated image of Qianhai Museum.

Venue: Qianhai Museum (前海博物馆)

Metro: Line 5 to Qianwan Park Station (前湾公园站)