Introduction

The Treasures of Xinjiang: Exhibition of Precious Cultural Relics from Xinjiang

Xinjiang is a region boasting vast territory, abundant resources, magnificent landscapes, and a splendid historical and cultural heritage. Since time immemorial, it has served as a melting pot for multiple ethnic groups, religions, and cultures. Central governments throughout different dynasties have exercised jurisdiction over Xinjiang. All ethnic groups in Xinjiang are closely - knit members of the Chinese nation, bound by blood. They treat each other like family, offering mutual support, sharing joys and sorrows, and standing together through thick and thin. Over thousands of years of interaction, exchange, and integration, people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have united as closely as pomegranate seeds within the big family of the Chinese nation. They have composed a magnificent epic of developing and building Xinjiang, jointly forging a diverse yet integrated and resplendent Chinese civilization.

The unique geographical environment endows Xinjiang's historical and cultural heritage with distinct regional characteristics. The textiles, documents, and tomb paintings unearthed in Xinjiang have far - reaching influence both nationally and globally. These can be regarded as national treasures, depicting the production and living conditions of ancient Xinjiang residents and providing copious materials for research in disciplines such as history, archaeology, and art.

In the late Qing Dynasty, Zuo Zongtang, a national hero from Hunan, led his troops to reconquer Xinjiang. He highly commended Xinjiang, stating, "Both the southern and northern regions of the Tianshan Mountains are abundant in grain production, with numerous fruits, flocks of cattle and sheep, and herds of horses. There are extremely rich reserves of coal, iron, gold, silver, and jade. What appears to be a vast expanse of desert for thousands of miles is actually a basin teeming with treasures." This time, the Hunan Museum, in collaboration with the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum and the Turpan Museum, is jointly hosting "The Treasures of Xinjiang: Exhibition of Precious Cultural Relics from Xinjiang". A total of 158 pieces (sets) of precious cultural relics, encompassing metalware, pottery, textiles, documents, calligraphy, and paintings, have been meticulously selected. The exhibition unfolds the historical and cultural narratives of Xinjiang from aspects such as the natural environment, the transformation from nomadic to agricultural production patterns, and the rich material and spiritual civilizations.

The Tianshan Mountains, a World Natural Heritage, traverse the central part of Xinjiang. Beneath the Tianshan Mountains lies the Silk Road, stretching across thousands of miles and spanning thousands of years. The Silk Road Spirit, characterized by peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit, is a legacy of human civilization. The treasures along the Silk Road embody the beauty of China's diverse yet integrated landscapes, history, and culture. Xinjiang's rich cultural heritage is a spiritual and cultural extravaganza that people of all ethnic groups should not miss.