This Year's Must-See Exhibition: "Zhenguan Mirror"

👍About the Attraction: I went to the Minhang Museum today to see the "Zhenguan Mirror - Thematic Exhibition of Tang Dynasty History and Culture." I arrived 15 minutes early, but there was already a long line of more than 100 people at the entrance. The cold wind was biting, but everyone in line had excited expressions on their faces. I learned from online information that the museum gives out a limited number of exquisite brochures to visitors every day, so some enthusiasts arrive an hour early to be first in line. The "Zhenguan Mirror - Thematic Exhibition of Tang Dynasty History and Culture" is being held at the Minhang Museum from January 23 to May 5, 2025. The exhibition is divided into four sections: "The Early Tang Dynasty," "The Rise of Prosperity," "Splendor of the Silk Road," and "Legacy of a Flourishing Age." Through 132 precious cultural relics (sets), it vividly recreates the reign of Zhenguan, a golden age established by Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin). Chairman Mao wrote in his poems about "Emperor Qin, Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Taizong of Tang, and Emperor Taizu of Song." Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin) is one of the most famous emperors in ancient Chinese history. His life encompassed both the tragedy of the Xuanwu Gate Incident and the prosperity of the Zhenguan era. If you want to learn more about this emperor who led China to the peak of the world at that time, you can visit this exhibition. Reliefs of the Six Steeds of Zhaoling are displayed at the entrance of the exhibition. The Six Steeds of Zhaoling were the six warhorses of Li Shimin, who died in several key battles. Li Shimin personally wrote "praises" for them and had their images carved in bluestone to commemorate those turbulent years and demonstrate his ambition and determination to create the Zhenguan era. The exhibition also features some gilded and painted figurines of civil and military officials. The civil officials hold tablets, and the military officials are clad in armor, vividly showcasing the images of Tang Dynasty officials. These figurines reflect the emphasis on both civil and military affairs, and the unity of the emperor and his ministers during the Zhenguan period. They are a vivid representation of the political system and bureaucratic structure of the Tang Dynasty. In addition to the cultural relics, the exhibition organizers have also meticulously presented various aspects of Tang Dynasty society, striving to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of life during the prosperous Tang Dynasty. For example, there are introductions to tea, wine, and cooking methods; the overall layout of Chang'an City, including the distribution of the imperial palace and residential areas; and diagrams illustrating the makeup sequence of Tang Dynasty women. It's as if you've stepped into Chang'an City and witnessed its splendor in a single day. 📍Address: No. 1538 Xinzhen Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 🚗Transportation: Subway: Take Metro Line 10 to Hangzhong Road Station, Exit 3, and walk 700 meters. Car: Navigate to "Minhang Culture Park." Parking is available in the underground parking lot of the Culture Park or at the parking lots near Gate 2/Gate 3. 🎟Tickets: Free admission, no reservation required. 💗Other Tips: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:30 to 16:30 (last entry at 16:00), closed on Mondays. It's close to the Shanghai Mass Culture Museum, the Powerlong Art Museum, and Qibao Ancient Town, so you can plan a day trip to visit them all.