The City University of Macau is honored to present “A Glimpse of Tang Prosperity through Murals–The Exhibition on Murals of the Tang Dynasty” from now until September 26 (Tuesday). Public are welcomed to visit the exhibition at Culture Centre, Taipa Campus, and experience the charm of the extraordinary treasure. Guided tours are available on-site.
The exhibition was jointly organized by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, the National Cultural Heritage Administration, the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, the City University of Macau, and the National Conditions Education Association (Macau). It was part of the activities aimed at promoting Tang mural culture in Hong Kong and Macao universities. The inauguration ceremony took place today at the Cultural Centre and attracted over a hundred participants from various sectors of the community, including government officials, representatives of community organizations, faculty, and students.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Li Bing, Vice Chairperson of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and President of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation; Zheng Xincong, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the MSAR; Liu Xianfa, Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the MSAR; Wu Weishan, Board Member of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation and Director of the National Art Museum of China; Qian Jikui, Deputy Director of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration; Chui Sai Cheong, Member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Vice President of the Legislative Assembly of the MSAR; Ho Teng Iat, Permanent President of Women's General Association of Macau; Lao Ngai Leong, representative of the National People’s Congress and President of the Board of the Macao Region China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification; Ma Iao Hang, Chairman of General-Assembly of the Teledifusão de Macau (TDM); Chan Meng Kam, Macao member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of Council of City University of Macau; and Wong Hoi Tou, President of National Conditions Education Association (Macau). They also hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
At the ceremony, Vice-President Shen Beili, representing the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, highlighted President Xi Jinping’s emphasis, at a meeting on cultural inheritance and development, on fully understanding the history of Chinese civilization for the effective promotion of the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional Chinese culture. She quoted that this understanding played a vital role in advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics and the development of modern civilization for the Chinese nation.
In her introduction, Vice-President Shen emphasized the Foundation's commitment to promoting traditional Chinese culture among young people and highlighted the positive response achieved through hosting exhibitions of Tang murals at universities in Hong Kong and Macao in recent years.
Vice-President Shen also emphasized that the establishment of the Foundation aimed to honor the spirit of Soong Ching Ling, and this year marked the 130th anniversary of her birth as the Honorary Chairperson. Moving forward, the Foundation will remain dedicated to promoting peace, unity, and the future. It will continue to strengthen cooperation with relevant institutions in Macao, building bridges and platforms for youth, public welfare, and cultural exchanges between the mainland and Macao. She pointed out that these proactive efforts aim to nurture the growth and talent development of young people in Macao.
Qian Jikui, Deputy Director of the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, said that the special exhibition has been hosted in Macao campuses for the third consecutive year, focusing on the life scenes, growth trajectories, and educational journeys of the younger people during the Tang Dynasty, which aimed to inspire the young generation’s love for the history and culture of the motherland.
Deputy Director Qian highlighted that Shaanxi considers the protection of cultural heritage, the promotion of culture, and the preservation of civilization as its own responsibility. The province is dedicated to revitalizing cultural heritage in the new era, generating value, fostering development, and constructing a spiritual homeland for the Chinese nation. He extended a sincere invitation to all Macao compatriots to visit Shaanxi, explore the roots of the Chinese nation, and experince the profound legacy of traditional Chinese culture.
Jun Liu, Rector of City University of Macao, highlighted City University of Macau’s commitment of promoting culture and education. He said that this special exhibition could provide faculty and students with an opportunity to deeply understand the art of Tang Dynasty murals. He encouraged faculty and students to actively participate in various side activities of the special exhibition to appreciate the beauty and legacy of millennia, immersing themselves in the endless charm of Chinese culture, and to become passionate ambassadors and bearers of Chinese culture.
He introduced that CityU offers programs such as Doctor of Philosophy in Arts Studies, Master of Fine Arts, Doctor of Philosophy in Cultural Industry Studies, and Master of Cultural Industry Management, and have established the Macao Research Center for Chinese Culture which carried out comprehensive and multidimensional research on Chinese culture. “The goal is to support Macao in becoming a significant gateway for the dissemination of excellent Chinese culture, while creating a platform for cultural and artistic exchange. We strive to nurture high-level professionals with an interdisciplinary skill set that meets the needs of social, economic, cultural, and arts development,” said Rector Liu.
Wong Hoi Tou, President of the National Conditions Education Association (Macau), expressed great honor in being one of the organizers, providing the opportunity for the majority of young people in Macao to experience the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture through the exhibition. In the future, the Association will further delve into the significance and essence of national education, enhance the diversity and substance of national education, and consistently nurture patriotic young individuals who possess strong moral character and excellent academic achievements.
Following the opening ceremony, the guests proceeded to the exhibition hall at the Cultural Center, where they immersed themselves in the ancient prosperity of the Great Tang Dynasty through the murals. Themed “Youth and Prime,” this exhibition focuses on the life trajectory of young people in the context of the Tang Dynasty. It is divided into five sections: “Chang’an of the Tang Dynasty,” “Youthful Ethos,” “Songs and Laughter,” “Strive for Progress,” and “Heritage and Preservation.” Each section showcases different aspects, including the cityscape of Chang’an, popular fashion, music and dance entertainment, educational practices, as well as the modern techniques employed in the protection and restoration of the murals.
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The exhibition aims to provide the visitors with an immersive experience of the authentic style of Tang Dynasty murals, allowing them to deeply appreciate the unique charm of China’s excellent traditional culture, and encouraging them to become guardians and ambassador of this extraordinary heritage.
To enhance the exhibition experience for the students, interactive side activities were designed. Staff members from the Shaanxi History Museum provided detailed interpretations of the costumes, artifacts, and historical knowledge depicted in the Tang Dynasty murals. CityU students had the opportunity to experience mural painting, deepening their understanding of ancient painting and costume culture.
Furthermore, to provide students with an understanding of the cultural value and research significance behind the Tang Dynasty murals, a fascinating academic lecture was held by Director He Daxin from the Department of Collection Management at the Shaanxi History Museum. The lecture, which took place at the Taipa Campus prior to the opening of the mural exhibition, analyzed and explained the cultural influences from exotic cultures on the daily life of Chang’an during the Tang Dynasty using perspectives derived from murals, terracotta figures, and other cultural heritages.
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