Dongguan Museum's latest exhibition, Dongguan Collection 100: The Dongguan Stories Illustrated by Cultural Relics, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the city's fascinating history through 100 carefully selected artifacts. These pieces, many of which are familiar to the public, shine a light on Dongguan's ancient and evolving identity.
Exhibition Details:
- Dates: 9:00 – 17:15, Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 (Closed on Mondays)
- Venue: Dongguan Museum
- Admission: Free, no reservation required
Introduction
Set against the backdrop of deep seas and towering hills, the exhibition hall feels like an ancient tome of natural history, recording the profound changes in the landscapes and life forms of Lingnan over millennia. Unlike traditional exhibitions that follow a linear historical narrative, Dongguan Collection 100 takes a more dynamic approach, presenting history through four distinct chapters.
In the first chapter, viewers witness the transformation of Dongguan from a small settlement into a thriving county. Visitors can marvel at Dongguan's earliest fossil discoveries, such as spruce-like petrified wood, rhinoceros bones, elephant foot bones, sambar deer remains, and turtle shells. These ancient fossils breathe life into the once-thriving ecosystems that flourished in prehistoric Dongguan.
The second chapter shifts focus to the daily lives of Dongguan's ancient people, highlighting their food, clothing, and shelter, as well as their aesthetic sensibilities and beliefs. Ancient ceramics adorned with wave-like patterns, tools of daily life, and artifacts such as crystal jewelry and golden ornaments reveal the lifestyles of Dongguan's early settlers. From humble homes to vibrant communities, these relics paint a vivid picture of a thriving ancient society.
As it moves into more recent times, the exhibition captures the evolving character of Dongguan from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The third chapter explores Dongguan's cultural and educational achievements, with artifacts linked to notable figures such as Luo Hengxin(罗亨信) and Yuan Chonghuan(袁崇焕).
The final chapter traces Dongguan's connections to the outside world, from export trade and fireworks to modern industries, weaving a tale of global interaction and cultural exchange.
From iconic landmarks to bustling streets and markets, the city's landscape grew more diverse and dynamic. One standout piece is the golden embroidered flag of "Guancheng," which features the Eight Immortals, a symbol of Dongguan's cultural heritage. There's also a proclamation that marked the liberation of the entire county of Dongguan, along with firecrackers and car models, reflecting the prosperity and innovation of the city in modern times.
Unearthed from various archaeological sites across Dongguan, like Haogang in Nancheng, Baizhoubian in Dongcheng, Wanfuan in Qishi, Cuntou Ruins in Humen, Fengjugang in Liaobu and Tangjiao in Chashan, the artifacts hold countless historical secrets. They offer a window into the past, showing how the city's early inhabitants crafted a vibrant and enduring legacy.
For those looking to dive deeper into Dongguan's past, this exhibition provides a new key to understanding the city's journey through time.
Photo | Dongguan Museum, Dongguan Fabu
