Saudi Arabia displays historical artifacts at Chinese exhibition
The Shang Dynasty Capital Site Museum in Henan is currently
hosting an international exhibition titled "Glimpses of the Ancient North
Arabian Kingdoms", running from September 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
Organized in collaboration with the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the event
marks a major highlight of the Saudi-Chinese Year of Culture 2025, spotlighting
the rich archaeological and historical legacies of both nations.
The exhibition brings together two regions steeped in
history—AlUla in Saudi Arabia and Henan in China—both recognized as UNESCO
World Heritage sites. A curated selection of 30 artifacts from AlUla is on
display, including 15 pieces being shown publicly for the first time.
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Among the most striking pieces is a monumental sandstone
statue of a Lihyanite ruler, originating from the ancient city of Dadan and
dating between the 5th and 3rd centuries BCE. Other exhibits include human
remains from pilgrim routes such as Umm Daraj and Jabal Dadan, offering rare
insights into the spiritual and cultural life of ancient North Arabia.
The exhibition explores the powerful kingdoms of Dadan, Lihyan,
and the Nabataeans, which flourished in northwest Arabia for millennia. The
Dadan Kingdom, established around 4,500 years ago in AlUla Valley, became a
cultural and trade powerhouse by the first millennium BCE, controlling
strategic points along the Incense Trade Route. Its legacy is preserved in rock
inscriptions, tombs, and intricate carvings scattered throughout the region.
The Nabataean civilization, known for its vast trade empire
and stunning architecture, extended from Petra deep into the Arabian Peninsula.
Their southern stronghold, Hegra (Mada’in Salih)—located just north of
AlUla—became a key trading hub and was designated Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 2008.
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The exhibition also features 10 Chinese artifacts, including
ceramic camel figurines, incense burners, cosmetic vessels, and engraved
objects. These items highlight the parallel artistic traditions and common
values shared by the two civilizations, such as reverence for trade,
craftsmanship, and storytelling.
The exhibition emphasizes the historic connections between
China and Arabia, which date back to the first millennium BCE—a period when
early writing systems, long-distance trade, and urban economies began to take
shape in both regions. The Nabataeans, along with China’s Qin and Han dynasties,
were instrumental in the early phases of Eurasian connectivity, laying the
groundwork for what would eventually become the Silk Road.
This cultural partnership builds on the momentum of last
year’s acclaimed “AlUla: Wonder of Arabia” exhibition at Beijing’s Palace
Museum, which drew more than 200,000 visitors.
Enhancing cross-cultural understanding
In a bid to make AlUla more accessible to Chinese visitors,
the RCU has implemented several initiatives:
- Mandarin-speaking tour guides at heritage sites
- Multilingual signage and interactive guides
- Complimentary copies of “AlUla: A Rich History” fully translated into Mandarin
These efforts reflect the broader goal of using tourism and
culture to foster mutual understanding and build lasting connections between
diverse global audiences.
This exhibition
serves not only as a celebration of ancient heritage but as a symbol of the
enduring relationship between Saudi Arabia and China—a relationship grounded in
cultural exchange, shared history, and future cooperation.
Source: One Arabia
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