Latest news with #OnTopofthePyramid:TheCivilizationofAncientEgypt
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Shanghai's Egyptian exhibition receives record number of visitors
This photo taken on July 17, 2024 shows the standing statue of King Merneptah outside the Shanghai Museum on the People's Square in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) SHANGHAI (May 19): An ancient Egypt-themed exhibition at the Shanghai Museum has become the world's most visited paid special exhibition of cultural relics, museum officials said, marking another milestone in China's cultural tourism boom. The exhibition, titled 'On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt,' was the largest of its kind held outside Egypt over the past 20 years. Since its opening in July 2024, the exhibition has drawn over 2 million visitors and generated 580 million yuan (about 80.6 million U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue, museum officials announced ahead of the International Museum Day, which falls on Sunday. The museum estimates that visitor numbers will exceed 2.5 million and revenue could exceed 700 million yuan by its closing in mid-August this year. Co-hosted by the Shanghai Museum and Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, the exhibition features 788 artifacts from Egypt, including many unearthed at the site of the Bubasteion of Saqqara in Egypt, which was dedicated to the cat goddess Bastet. It also includes dozens of ancient Chinese artifacts to create a dialogue between the two millennia-old civilizations. Chu Xiaobo, curator of the Shanghai Museum, described the exhibition as an important cultural exchange program between China and Egypt, praising it as one of the world's most remarkable 'super exhibitions' in recent years. The exhibition has previously made headlines with its innovative arrangements, including night events that invited audiences to bring pet cats, as well as a best-selling parallel virtual reality (VR) experience of the Pyramid of Khufu. The Shanghai Museum said it has released over 1,000 cultural and creative products themed on the exhibition, ranging from apparel to toys, leveraging China's strength as the world's largest toy designer and manufacturer. The exhibition on ancient Egyptian civilization was a great success and truly fascinating, said Egypt's top archaeologist and Egyptologist Zahi Hawass. The great success of the exhibition has taken place as China is experiencing a boom in the cultural and tourism sector, with museums drawing unprecedented interest from tourists. During the just-concluded May Day holiday, museums across China recorded more than 60.49 million visits, setting a new record and marking a 17-percent increase year on year. In 2024, Chinese museums received over 1.4 billion visits, a new record high after 1.29 billion visits in 2023, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration. The Egyptian exhibition in Shanghai has seen nearly 70 percent of its visitors coming from outside the city. Local officials have hailed the exhibition for boosting cultural and tourism consumption in the metropolis. Egyptian officials have viewed the exhibition as a way to promote Egyptian tourist destinations in the Chinese market, emphasizing the appeal of cultural tourism to Chinese tourists. The exhibition is believed to have boosted Chinese interest in Egyptian travel. Egyptian authorities said the number of Chinese tourists to Egypt surged by 63 percent year on year in 2024. With fewer than 100 days remaining for the exhibition, the museum is expanding its outreach in other parts of the country, with Pharaoh-themed events scheduled to be held across Chinese cities, including Chengdu, Xi'an, Kaifeng, Hangzhou and Nanjing. In the final week, it will be open 24 hours a day, aiming to set another world record of non-stop opening for 168 hours. 'The ancient Egyptian exhibition offers one of the most exciting dialogues of two ancient civilizations, which brings visual enjoyment and a rare cultural experience,' said Poo Mu-chou, a retired professor with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. 'The impact it brings is long-lasting and its significance goes far beyond simple data.' – Xinhua China Egypt historical shanghai museum
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
China Focus: Young Chinese take up cultural relic restoration
A visitor looks at a face mask for a female mummy during a media preview of the exhibition 'On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt' at the Shanghai Museum in east China's Shanghai, July 16, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Ying) BEIJING (May 19): In China today, an increasing number of young people are rediscovering the past — not just by visiting museums and historical sites, but by stepping behind the scenes to restore cultural relics. Armed with brushes, tweezers and glue, these young cultural relic restorers are quietly embracing the craft as a career, breathing new life into ancient treasures that might otherwise be lost to the sands of time. Xie Li, a cultural relic restorer at the Sanxingdui Museum in southwest China's Sichuan Province, is part of this growing trend. Born in the 1990s, she has spent 11 years in the field and witnessed firsthand the transformation of the industry over the past decade. 'When I was a student, only one or two out of a class of 70 or 80 would go into heritage work,' Xie recalled. 'Now, in a class of about a hundred, dozens are choosing this path.' At the Sanxingdui Museum, she noted, the average age of the restoration team is just 35, with the youngest member born in 1998. She attributes this shift in part to the rise of archaeology-themed documentaries and other forms of cultural media, which have sparked a wave of enthusiasm and drawn more young people into heritage preservation. For Xie, pursuing a career she loves brings a deep sense of fulfillment. 'Every time I finish restoring a piece — watching it go from broken to whole — I feel a wave of satisfaction, as if I've brought it back to life,' she said. Recently, Xie competed in the Sichuan provincial qualifiers of the 2025 National Cultural Heritage Vocational Skills Competition, earning second prize in the metal relic restoration category for her work on a replica bronze mask. The competition brought together participants born from the 1960s to the 2000s, with some of the winners being young restorers in their twenties and thirties. 'It seems like there are more young contestants than before.' At the event, three expert advisors all noted the same trend. In addition to young people's growing interest in traditional culture, Zhu Xiaonan, an expert from the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), highlighted changes in the country's system for training talent. 'Previously, cultural relic restoration was mostly passed down through a master-apprentice system. But now, many universities have started offering related programs,' Zhu said. In recent years, China has placed growing emphasis on preserving its cultural heritage, creating a pressing need for skilled professionals to improve the quality of relic restoration. In 2016, China's State Council issued a guideline on strengthening cultural relics work, calling for accelerated training of urgently needed talent in areas such as cultural heritage conservation and restoration. The following year, China introduced its first undergraduate program in cultural relic conservation and restoration. Since then, over 60 universities and colleges, as well as more than 30 vocational colleges, have followed suit with similar programs. Yet despite this surge in training efforts, a significant shortage of qualified professionals remains. As a country rich in cultural heritage, China is home to more than 760,000 immovable cultural relics and over 100 million artifacts housed in museum collections, with a vast number of relics still awaiting restoration. At the same time, academic education in cultural heritage conservation and restoration remains insufficient, said Wang Yingsheng, dean of the School of Conservation at the Central Academy of Fine Arts. 'Restorers without formal academic training in aesthetics often lack a deep understanding of materials and art,' Wang noted. To address this gap, provinces with major cultural heritage sites, such as Shandong, Shanxi and Shaanxi, launched government-funded undergraduate programs last year for students specializing in cultural relics, offering guaranteed jobs upon graduation. In Shandong, for instance, the program plans to enroll around 300 students over five years, waiving tuition and accommodation fees and providing a living allowance. Job opportunities are also increasing. According to the NCHA, staffing in cultural heritage protection and archaeological institutions at all levels is steadily expanding, along with a significant rise in archaeological fieldwork allowances. As a result, more and more students are proactively choosing to major in cultural heritage and archaeology. Shen Ruiwen, dean of the School of Archaeology and Museology at Peking University, said that more than 10 years ago, the school admitted just over 20 students annually. Today, that number has jumped to 40 to 50 each year, with high-scoring applicants eagerly competing for admission. Once an obscure profession, the art of cultural relic restoration is gradually coming into the spotlight. Fueled by a deep passion for their craft, a growing number of young, tech-savvy restorers are turning to social media to share the joys of their daily work. Among them is Yu Mingrui, a specialist in restoring ancient calligraphy and paintings. Since he began posting short videos of his work online, some of his posts have gone viral, attracting an ever-growing number of followers. To his surprise, the videos have not only sparked interest but also changed lives. One younger student, torn between practical considerations and his passion for relic restoration, decided to apply for a restoration program after watching Yu's content. This story stuck with Yu and deepened his sense of purpose. 'We're passing this craft down, generation after generation, to keep culture alive,' he said. 'Even if no one remembers our names, the country still needs people to carry the torch. And there must always be young people ready to step up.'- Xinhua China cultural relics museums restoration
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Global Times: China's quest to engage Gen Zers through night access and digital magic
BEIJING, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the International Museum Day is just around the corner, the Shanghai Museum announced a challenge to set a world record - launching a "Sleepless Night" mode for On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt exhibition. The museum invited visitors to participate in a "7×24-hour non-stop" viewing experience, aiming to create a world record for a museum being open continuously for 168 hours. Shanghai resident Li Qi is already eager to be part of this effort on pushing the limits of the museums. Li told the Global Times that she had already visited the exhibition, marveling at the 780 precious artifacts from Egypt, including two iconic pieces - a statue of Akhenaten and a painted anthropoid coffin. However, she decided to revisit the museum again to find a new and unique experience: "A night with the Egyptian pharaohs." This idea grew even stronger after she browsed content on the social media account of Pharaoh Merneptah on Xiaohongshu, or RedNote. The account was newly created by the museum to update the "diary" of the pharaoh and often interacts with netizens in his voice. This initiative reflects a broader trend: Chinese museums are adapting to Gen Zers' demand for immersive and socially shareable experiences. From high-tech exhibitions to night-time openings, institutions are transforming from static display spaces into dynamic cultural hubs. Meeting demands The theme of the 2025 International Museum Day, "The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities," highlights museums' role in navigating social, technological and environmental shifts. Zhang Huiguo, a deputy director of Shanxi Museum, emphasizes balancing "change and unchangeably," noting that "upholding integrity while pursuing innovation" is key for Chinese museums. Younger audiences, particularly Gen Zers, seek experiences that blend education with entertainment, prompting museums to diversify engagement strategies. It's already 11 pm in Nanjing, East China's Jiangsu Province, as a local museum is still bustling with spectators. Young visitors are immersed in a wonderful journey through thousands of years. On a large screen over 100 meters long, the An Era in Jinling, known as "the most representative custom scroll of Nanjing," is brought to life by cutting-edge technology. Visitors interact with 533 virtual "painting figures," merging history with augmented reality. "Gen Zers value participation and interaction," explains the Deji Art Museum curator Ai Lin. "Digital tools make ancient heritage vibrant. Different from the old paintings, it now can be felt and touched," said Ai. Embracing digital innovation "The paths for museums to attract Gen Zers are diverse. A large number of smart digital means, not only in the venues but also on online platforms, have launched many interactive games for museums. These are attempts to fit young people's habits," Wang Siyu, director of the Center of Archaeology and Art for the General Public, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Digital technology is a cornerstone of museum transformation. Wang told the Global Times that many museums now employ AI, VR and online interactive games to align with young people's habits. Southwest China's Sichuan Province will host a Digital Intelligence Art Expo in September, promoting tech-art integration, while Shandong Museum's "Clothing as a Vessel of Ritual" project uses digital reconstruction to decode Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) costumes. Through immersive scenes and Q&A, visitors explore the cultural symbolism of traditional attire, achieving a "youth-oriented expression of heritage." Recognizing Gen Zers' growing nighttime social activities, museums are extending hours of operation to become urban hotspots. The Deji Art Museum offers year-round night openings, closing at 10:30 pm on weekdays and 3 am on weekends, catering to office workers. "Flexible operations let us adapt faster. Only by first ensuring exhibitions are well-executed, research is meticulous, and experiences are ultimate, can we proceed to discuss further development," Ai says. Shanghai's 24-hour experiment and similar "wonder nights" nationwide transform museums into venues for socializing and cultural exploration, blending education with nightlife trends. When museums become must-visit places on the growth path of more and more people, they "must embrace all aspects of human progress of civilization, such as intelligent technological achievements," added Zhang. "They need to engage with social groups in a more positive manner, such as paying greater attention to Gen Zers youth and become more diverse, lively and lovely." While innovation thrives, Wang highlights the need for feedback mechanisms to better understand young audiences. Museums must balance creativity with their core mission, integrating youth preferences without compromising academic rigor. "Museums should leverage digital tools but stay rooted in their collections," he advises. "That will help museums find their future direction in a rapidly changing society and continue to play the role of cultural hubs." "Just as the 2025 International Museum Day theme says, it has embraced 'sustainable development' as a comprehensive and long-term approach, exploring its possibilities across broader domains such as economy, society and education to achieve more holistic progress," Wang added. From Shanghai's record-breaking marathon to Nanjing's digital scroll, Chinese museums are rewriting their narrative - accessible, dynamic, and deeply connected to contemporary life. As technology advances and audience insights deepen, these institutions are poised to remain vital cultural anchors, ensuring heritage evolves alongside society. View original content: SOURCE Global Times
Egypt Independent
25-04-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Almost 2 million visit ‘On Top of the Pyramid' Exhibition in Shanghai
Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sharif Fathi, received Liu Duo, the Deputy Mayor of Shanghai Municipality in the People's Republic of China, and her accompanying delegation at the ministry's headquarters in the government district of the New Administrative Capital. The meeting took place during their current visit to Egypt and was attended by Moamen Othman, Head of the Museums Sector at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Chu Xiaobo, Director of the Shanghai Museum, and a number of ministry leaders and representatives from Shanghai Municipality and the Shanghai Museum. Duo reviewed the results of the 'On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt' exhibition currently held at the Shanghai National Museum, highlighting its success and the large turnout of visitors, which prompted the museum to extend the exhibition's operating hours into the evening. She pointed out that the exhibition has received more than 1.9 million visitors since its opening in July 2024, with attendees coming not only from Shanghai but also from various neighboring Chinese cities. She added her expectation that the number of visitors to the exhibition will reach 2.5 million by the end of its run next August, expressing her hope for broader horizons of cooperation between the two countries in the coming period. The minister then reviewed the volume of tourist traffic arriving in Egypt from China, expressing his aspiration to further promote this traffic from this important market by strengthening joint cooperation mechanisms and opening broader horizons in the fields of tourism and antiquities through several avenues, including adopting the idea of establishing temporary antiquities exhibitions and increasing the number of joint promotional campaigns. The two sides also discussed the possibility of cooperation in the fields of museums, training, archaeological excavations, scientific research, and the exchange of expertise. The Chinese side expressed its hope to increase the number of archaeological missions working in Egypt. Recently, a new joint archaeological mission between the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the Shanghai Museum began work at the Sekhmet Temple in the Mit Rahina archaeological area, as did the joint mission of Peking University with the Supreme Council of Antiquities, which will work at the Tell el-Aziz site in Mit Rahina. This is in addition to the existing archaeological missions, including the missions at the Montu Temple in Karnak and the Shanghai University of Science and Technology working in Saqqara on the digital documentation project of coffins.
