Terracotta Warriors exhibition in Southern California showcases China's ancient civilization

Towering Terracotta Warriors and ornate chariots showcase the grandeur of the ancient Chinese civilization, while mysterious artifacts from the Shimao ruins in northwest China offer a rare glimpse into a "super city" of around 4,000 years ago.

These are just some highlights of the exhibition "World of the Terracotta Warriors: New Archaeological Discoveries in Shaanxi in the 21st Century," which kicked off last week at the Bowers Museum in Orange County, California.

Nearly 200 Chinese and American guests from various fields attended the opening ceremony to explore the richness and enduring allure of China's ancient cultural heritage.

Upon entering the exhibition hall of the Bowers and laying eyes on the Terracotta Warriors and other relics, part of the burial complex for China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, visitors paused to admire and took photos of the displays, immersed in a sea of history.

The museum has incorporated cutting-edge multimedia and interactive technology into the show. Attendees can digitally "paint" colorful uniforms for the Terracotta Warriors with computers, or "step into" a formidable Qin Dynasty military formation via a panoramic surround screen.

The exhibition is co-organized by the Bowers Museum, the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, the Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center, and the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum.

Tianlong Jiao, chief curator and director of the Asian Exhibition Program at the Bowers Museum, told Xinhua that the event features life-sized statues of generals, archers and acrobats, along with more than 100 sets of artifacts unearthed in the past two decades across Shaanxi Province. These include precious relics from the Shimao ruins, which are recognized as the largest Neolithic city site discovered in East Asia to date.

Jiao highlighted that the immersive technology featured in the exhibition aids visitors in learning about Chinese culture. He also noted the event marks a valuable opportunity for collaboration between Chinese and American archaeologists. The museum plans to host a series of lectures and academic symposiums in conjunction with the exhibition.

Sean O'Harrow, president and CEO of the Bowers Museum, emphasized how the exhibition will help people understand the importance of cross-cultural exchanges.

"China has a long history, while the United States is considered a young country. But each has its own strengths and characteristics. We should learn from each other, respect each other, and appreciate each other," Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles Guo Shaochun said in his remarks.

"For many years, the Bowers Museum has been dedicated to promoting cultural exchange between China and the United States, offering many Americans the opportunity to explore Chinese culture in their own community," Guo noted.

Founded in 1936, the Bowers Museum is the largest and one of the oldest museums in Orange County. The museum houses over 100,000 works of art and cultural artifacts from around the world. The museum previously hosted Terracotta Warrior exhibitions in 2008 and 2011, both of which sparked significant interest in Chinese culture throughout Southern California.

The "World of the Terracotta Warriors" exhibition will run through Oct. 19.