CityU Students Visit the Silk Roads Beyond Borders Exhibition at the Poly MGM Museum, Immersing Themselves in the Artistic Charm of Millennia-Old Civilizations

 

The Faculty of Innovation and Design (FIAD) of City University of Macau (CityU) recently organized a student visit to the Poly MGM Museum, where they toured the large-scale Silk Roads Beyond Borders exhibition featuring cultural relics and art. The visit gave students an up close look at the historical arc and artistic dialogue of the Silk Road across thousands of years. Led by Assistant Professors Jing Liu and Ni Kang, the trip offered students a chance to connect theory with practice in a cultural exchange setting, helping them gain a deeper understanding of traditional Chinese culture and the interplay between Eastern and Western civilizations. It also provided valuable insights for future studies and projects related to innovative design and cultural heritage.

 

 

 

 

Structured into four —the exhibition walks viewers through the historical development of the Silk Road, the exchange of material culture it enabled, and its lasting spiritual resonance. Featuring over 200 artifacts from several museums, the collection spans from the Western Zhou dynasty to the present and includes silk, ceramics, Buddhist statues, glassware and more, highlighting the fusion of civilizations and artistic traditions facilitated by both overland and maritime routes.

 

 

 

During the visit, students and faculty observed representative artifacts up close while also experiencing immersive digital installations. LED screens, dynamic digital scrolls, and digital art walls brought relics to life, vividly recreating details such as the intricate patterns of the “Dragon-Patterned Throne Carpet”, the sweeping journeys of caravans across deserts and seas, and the graceful movement of Dunhuang’s flying Apsaras. These technologies allowed the centuries-old stories of the Silk Road to be experienced in a tangible and interactive way. Beyond illustrating the Silk Road’s role in connecting civilizations, the experience also sparked thoughtful discussion among participants about how cultural heritage can be interpreted and preserved today. After the tour, students and faculty exchanged ideas on topics such as “how to reinterpret historical narratives through innovative design” and “how digital media can transform the experience of cultural heritage”, sharing reflections and inspiration.

 

The exhibition is more than a showcase of artifacts and art — it’s a cultural conversation that bridges past and present while opening new possibilities for creative expression. The visit broadened students’ cultural perspectives and deepened their appreciation of cross-cultural exchange. It also reinforced the responsibility of today’s youth to carry forward the Silk Road spirit through innovation and presentation. At the same time, the activity offered valuable support for FIAD as it continues to refine its educational approach and strengthen cultural partnerships with the local community.

 

Source: Faculty of Innovation and Design