Physical exhibition: The Glory of China

Ancient Chinese Science and Technology Exhibition

Update time ：2021-06-11

Content:

This exhibition presents the scientific and technological civilization of ancient China through cultural relic reproductions, models, objects, pictures and texts. This exhibition features nearly two hundred exhibits, and the area of exhibition venue is 800-1500 m2.

I. Exhibition Introduction

China is a civilized country with a long history. The hardworking and intelligent Chinese ancestors created the splendid ancient Chinese science and technology culture. Their remarkable inventions and discoveries laid a solid foundation for the formation of modern science and technology, making great contributions to the progress of world civilization.

The Ancient Chinese Science and Technology Exhibition hereinafter referred to as the “Exhibition”) is an exhibition planned and organized by the China Science and Technology Museum in order to display the brilliant achievements of ancient China in science and technology and traditional crafts. Initiated in 1980, the Exhibition is one of those held to promote the co-construction and sharing of excellent science popularization resources. 1982 saw its first visit to a foreign country when it was held at the Ontario Science Centre, Toronto, Canada. As an unprecedentedly grand occasion, it was visited by 1.15 million people within half a year, causing a sensation throughout North America. Later, the “Exhibition” was held in Chicago, Seattle, Atlanta, Boston and Dallas, USA, achieving a great success at each stop. Over the past 37 years, the “Exhibition” has been touring 22 cities in 13 countries in the presence of 6.878 million visitors. It is highly praised as the “most attractive exhibition” and the “most exciting exhibition”.

The Exhibition aims to show the splendid scientific and technological civilization of ancient China to viewers by displaying replicas of cultural relics, models, real objects, illustrated texts and on-the-spot demonstration of traditional handicrafts. Also, the scientific and technological development history in the thousands of years of Chinese civilization is presented to the viewers so that they will get a more intuitive understanding of the great scientists and skillful craftsmen in ancient China. At the same time, the outstanding achievements in science and technology made by the Chinese nation is put on display at the Exhibition.

In 2015, the China Science and Technology Museum launched the itinerant Exhibition at home in order to meet the Chinese audience’s demand for the knowledge of ancient Chinese science and technology culture and carry forward the craftsmanship spirit and excellent traditional culture to enhance cultural confidence. Displayed at the Exhibition are about 68 (sets of) works selected from many exhibits. The Exhibition Hall covers an area of 800-1,500m2 and consists of six exhibition areas including astronomy, machinery, architecture, military affairs, well salt mining and science popularization.

In addition, the Exhibition is supported by the “Huaxia Science and Technology School”, independently developed by the Ancient Science and Technology Exhibition Department of the China Science and Technology Museum. The relevant abundant educational resources can be provided for the organizer to meet the needs of supporting educational activities.

II. List of Exhibits

III. Exhibition Photos

Ⅳ. Exhibition Video

Funding and participation:

The CAST provides the physical exhibits, pictures and English text for free exchange and use. International partners cover round-trip transportation fees for all exhibits and all costs for local exhibitions. Those who wish to apply can contact the Secretariat and the China Science and Technology Museum.

Contact: 

ZHANG Huiliang, Secretariat of WOSL (Preparatory), wosl@cast.org.cn;

HUO Feifei, China Science and Technology Museum, cstm_international@cstm.org.cn