On January 18, the exhibition "Twin Stars Illuminating the World: The Ancient Shu Civilization of the Sanxingdui and Jinsha Sites" will be grandly unveiled at the National Museum of China (NMC). This exhibition focuses on the two zeniths of ancient Shu civilization—the Sanxingdui and Jinsha sites—bringing together over 200 pieces (sets) of exquisite cultural relics to systematically present the splendid panorama of the Shu culture in the Bronze Age.

On January 6, the Jinsha Site Museum, one of the co‑organizers of the exhibition, confirmed that over 100 pieces (sets) of its collection have completed the handover formalities, and that exhibition installation is now proceeding in an orderly manner. These treasures from Jinsha will be showcased alongside exquisite cultural relics from the Sanxingdui Museum, the Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute, the Chengdu Municipal Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, and the NMC.

Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament: Limited‑Time Exhibition

The 108 cultural relic sets from the Jinsha Site Museum include gold, jade, bronze, stone, and pottery artifacts, as well as oracle bones. These pieces not only vividly demonstrate the sophisticated craftsmanship of the ancient Shu people and their spiritual beliefs of revering nature and embracing animism, but also narrate the cultural exchanges and connections between ancient Shu and other regions of China. Among these, two highly anticipated items, the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament and the Jinsha Gold Mask, will be featured during designated periods later in the exhibition. The Jinsha Gold Mask will make its appearance on April 18, the International Day for Monuments and Sites, while the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament will be presented to the public on June 13, the Cultural and Natural Heritage Day. All exhibits will be returned following the exhibition's closing on August 18.

The Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament masterfully integrates the profound philosophical thought, rich imagination, extraordinary artistic creativity, and exquisite craftsmanship of ancient peoples. It stands not only as a representative masterpiece of China's ancient gold‑working achievements but also as an artistic magnum opus that embodies the veneration of the sun by early Chinese civilizations. On August 16, 2005, the "Four Birds Circling the Sun" motif depicted on the ornament was designated as the official symbol of China's cultural heritage. On the eve of China's first Cultural Heritage Day in 2006, the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament made an appearance at the special exhibition held by the NMC. During the Olympic Games Beijing 2008, it was also displayed at the Capital Museum, showcasing the charm of this Chinese treasure to the world.

Currently, the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament is securely housed in the repository of the Jinsha Site Museum and undergoes regular conservation. It is scheduled to depart shortly before this year's Cultural and Natural Heritage Day to serve as a key exhibit for the occasion, demonstrating China's achievements in the protection of cultural heritage.

Safeguarding Heritage: The "Travel" of Cultural Relics Secured at Every Step

As learned by the reporter, the "travel" of cultural relics for exhibitions is a meticulous journey that requires comprehensive, end‑to‑end safeguards. It must strictly comply with relevant regulations, including the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Cultural Relics and the Measures for the Administration of Museum Collections.

First, prior to their "travel", museums need to conduct a thorough examination and assessment of the relics' condition, and they must strictly complete all loan approval procedures in accordance with regulations to obtain the official "travel permit". Simultaneously, they will sign a detailed loan agreement with the NMC, specifying critical terms such as the exhibition period and conservation standards for the loaned items, including the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament.

During the handover of cultural relics, the museums must strictly follow the Specification for Condition Check of Museum Objects for Exhibition, collaborating with the borrowing institution and the transportation company to conduct a tripartite inspection. This involves meticulously checking and documenting the condition and state of each item. Packing and transportation will be executed by a professional cultural relics logistics team. Through custom‑designed, precision packaging, onboard constant temperature and humidity systems, and real‑time GPS tracking equipment, the team ensures environmental stability and travel security throughout the entire transportation process. In addition, the Jinsha Site Museum plans to specially dispatch experienced exhibition specialists to Beijing, who will fully participate in the exhibition installation work to ensure that the display form of the cultural relics meets protection requirements and to guarantee their safe departure and return.

Traveling exhibitions of cultural relics are not merely about the mobile display of artifacts; they serve as vital platforms for advancing cultural heritage transmission, public education, academic exchange, and social cohesion. They hold profound significance for promoting fine traditional Chinese culture and facilitating cultural prosperity and development. A relevant official from the Jinsha Site Museum stated, "While the museum's protection and display systems undergo enhancement, we aim to bring Jinsha culture closer to the public through diverse means such as external exhibitions of cultural relics, photo exhibitions, cultural and creative product sales, and educational programs." The display of Jinsha artifacts at the NMC is a vivid embodiment of this philosophy. It not only adds a radiant touch to the Ancient Shu Civilization exhibition but also allows a broader audience to appreciate the profound heritage and charm of Jinsha culture up close, thereby building a solid bridge for cultural heritage and exchange.