A cultural relic exhibition, titled "Glories of the Jingchu Civilization - Exhibition of Archaeological Treasures Excavated in Hubei, China", is scheduled to kick off at the Botany Library in Auckland, New Zealand from November 2 to 7.

The exhibition is guided by the Hubei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, hosted by the Hubei Provincial Museum, and supported by the Art Exhibitions China and the China Cultural Center in Auckland.

Jingchu culture is an important part of the long-standing Chinese civilization and holds a pivotal position in the history of Chinese civilization. The exhibition showcases the richness of regional culture of Hubei and its importance in Chinese civilization through the introduction of cultural relics unearthed in Hubei.

The exhibition is divided into four sections: “Origin of Humanity,” “Dawn of Civilization,” “Jingchu Culture in the Zhou Dynasty,” and “Cultural Exchange.” The “Origin of Humanity” section focuses on skull fossils of Yun County, which provides evidence of millions of years of human history. The “Dawn of Civilization” section highlights the stone carving of “Sun Man”, which is the earliest image of sun worship in China, the earliest discovered stone figurines in southern China, as well as cultural relics such as jade and bronze artifacts unearthed from the Shijiahe Ancient City in the Neolithic era and the Panlongcheng site in the Shang Dynasty.

In addition, the “Jingchu Culture in the Zhou Dynasty” section mainly demonstrates the culture of ritual and music of the Zeng and Chu states by showcasing ceremonial bronzes, lacquerware, and jade artifacts unearthed from Yejia Mountain Cemetery, Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, Tianxinguan Cemetery, and Jiulian Dun Cemetery. The “Cultural Exchange” section mainly exhibits artifacts unearthed in Hubei reflecting exchanges on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, such as the gold ingot from the Liangzhuang King’s Tomb and the gemstone belt.

The exhibition is presented in the form of photos and will also tour in Auckland, New Zealand after being displayed at the Botany Library. (en.hubei.gov.cn by Zhang Yawei and Zou Zhen）