China begins 2026 with a vibrant start to the cultural year as museums and cultural institutions across the country unveil ambitious exhibitions. Art and history enthusiasts can look forward to a wide range of showcases, reflecting growing public interest in culture and a renewed connection to China’s historical roots.
Among the most anticipated is an exhibition featuring relics from the ancient Shu civilization, unearthed from the Sanxingdui and Jinsha ruins. Scheduled to open in January at the National Museum of China in Beijing and run through August, the exhibition brings together over 200 artifacts from the Sanxingdui Museum and Jinsha Site Museum in Sichuan Province.
Highlights include the iconic golden mask, a gold crown band, the crowned bulging-eyed mask, a bronze figure with a gold face covering, standing bronze figures, bronze masks, and the gold sun and immortal bird emblem, which will be shown for a limited time. These treasures, created more than 3,000 years ago, offer visitors insight into the artistry and technological achievements of the ancient Shu civilization.
The Shanxi Ancient Architecture Museum also opened the new year with 30 representative statues. The exhibition showcases artistic charm and cultural spirit through the lens of religious aesthetics. Featured works include a Tang Dynasty Taoist statue over 2.6 meters tall, carved from white marble, and two rare four-sided Buddhist statue steles with inscriptions.
Researchers have discovered surprises among the exhibits. A museum staff member reported that a stone tower previously stored in a corner was identified as Tang Dynasty, featuring a coiled dragon pillar and a guardian figure. New inscriptions were also deciphered on a four-sided statue stele originally kept in a cave dwelling, adding to the historical significance of the collection.
In Hong Kong, the Palace Museum has announced nine new exhibitions for 2026. These include four specially curated exhibitions in collaboration with Beijing’s Palace Museum, three international joint exhibitions, and two thematic shows. One highlights multimedia works by Hong Kong artists inspired by Chinese mythological creatures, showcasing the city’s contemporary art scene.
During the New Year holidays, museums such as the Shanghai Museum welcomed tens of thousands of visitors. Archaeological parks and cultural venues also saw large crowds, as people chose to celebrate the start of 2026 surrounded by historical and artistic treasures.
Zhang Peng, a cultural researcher and associate professor at Nanjing Normal University, explained that exhibitions provide a profound sense of meaning for the New Year. “The historical depth and cultural solemnity embodied in exhibitions offer a strong anchor of significance,” Zhang said.
He added that the growing public demand for culture has spurred the creation of more high-quality exhibitions. “Traditional culture is being creatively transformed in ways that feel younger and more relatable to everyday life,” Zhang noted.
These exhibitions reflect China’s efforts to balance historical preservation with contemporary engagement. Visitors not only experience rare artifacts but also interact with exhibitions designed to appeal to modern audiences. The focus on creative reinterpretation ensures that traditional culture remains relevant while providing education and inspiration.
Experts say that such initiatives strengthen cultural identity and encourage public participation in heritage appreciation. By presenting historical treasures alongside contemporary artistic interpretations, museums across China are helping to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the nation’s rich past while encouraging creative engagement with its cultural legacy.
As 2026 unfolds, these museum exhibitions across Beijing, Shanxi, Hong Kong, and other provinces promise to attract millions of visitors, offering unique opportunities to explore China’s artistic, technological, and spiritual heritage. They mark a cultural start to the year that is both educational and inspiring, setting the tone for a year of engagement with China’s historical and creative achievements
