The Majestic Han: A Golden Age of Vigour and Cultural Integration

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Han dynasty (202 BCE – 220) is reputed as the first golden age in Chinese history. Inheriting and further developing from the institutions of Qin, Han dynasty laid the foundation for a brilliant and enduring unified empire. It established the foundational institutions and advanced its economic, technological and cultural achievements, fostering a dynamic and innovative Han culture characterised by openness and enterprise. By opening up the Silk Road, it made profound contributions in promoting exchanges between Chinese and Western civilisations, and firmly established the important role of China in the history of world civilisation. The terms Han Ren (Han people), Han Fu (Han clothes) and Han Wen Hua (Han culture), used by later generations up to the present, all trace their origins to the Han era.

Building on the success of the “Tang Vogue Beyond the Horizons: A Golden Era of Multicultural Integration and Openness” exhibition in 2025, the Development Bureau and the National Cultural Heritage Administration join hands again to present the large-scale Han dynasty-themed exhibition this year, “The Majestic Han: A Golden Age of Vigour and Cultural Integration” exhibition. The vigorous and integrative ethos of Han dynasty pointed towards an assertive and forward-looking vision of the state, as well as cultural inclusiveness and institutional innovation.

The exhibition is presented in six thematic sections to illuminate Han dynasty as a flourishing age of expansion and innovation: (1) The Unified Realm — Political System of Han Dynasty; (2) Wealth of the Country — Economic Development in Han Dynasty; (3) Harmony of Heaven and Humanity — Han Culture and Beliefs; (4) Innovation and Model‑Making — Scientific and Technological Development in Han Dynasty; (5) Facets of Daily Life — Social Life in Han Dynasty; (6) Integration of East and West — External Exchanges in Han Dynasty.

The exhibition features 252 pieces/sets of invaluable exhibits. Among them, 203 pieces/sets, including 40 grade-one cultural relics, come from 29 museums and cultural institutions in 14 provinces and autonomous regions in the Chinese Mainland, and most of them are being shown in Hong Kong for the first time. The remaining 49 pieces/sets are significant archaeological finds dating to the Han period unearthed in Hong Kong, painstakingly selected by the Antiquities and Monuments Office of the Development Bureau.

Exhibits range from Han bamboo slips, silk letters / manuscripts, coins, bronze vessels, gold objects, lacquered ware, stone paintings, jewellery, clothes and ornaments, pottery figurines to pottery houses and agricultural tools. From different perspectives of the Han culture, the exhibition explores Han’s daily lives of various social strata through science and technology, astronomy, dominion and economic development, showcases the pluralistic nature of the Chinese culture and Hong Kong’s links with the early Maritime Silk Road trade.

Let us step into this radiant civilisation, listen to echoes that resound across two thousand years, and experience how this great age laid the enduring foundations of Chinese civilisation.

Cantonese, Putonghua and English docent service are available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. More information HERE.

Easter Holiday Special Programme
Date: 3 – 7 April 2026 (Fri to Tue) Time: 10:00 – 19:00
The five-day programme offers a lineup of interesting activities and games, including pitch-pot, the Majestic Han challenge, exhibit colouring and the popular ‘Majestic Photo Studio’ to capture memorable moments. Complete the designated activities to receive unique souvenirs, while supplies last! On 4 April, Professor Joseph Ting will conduct a star talk, exploring the opening of the Western Regions by Zhang Qian in Han dynasty.
Admission is free for all activities.

Programmes highlights:
1. Pitch-pot Experience this popular game from Han dynasty banquets. Challenge yourself to cast arrows into the pot!
2. The Majestic Han Challenge Find the answers hidden in ‘The Majestic Han’ exhibition! Explore the exhibition galleries closely to tackle the challenge!
3. The Majestic Studio (You must first complete the ‘The Han Gallery Mission’) Record your memorable moments with an exclusive background and props inspired by the star exhibits. Come and take a snapshot to experience the mighty winds of Han!
4. Dressing Up the Exhibits Choose your favourite Majestic Han exhibits and colour them! Unleash your creativity to create a unique piece!
5. 【4th April (Sat) Only】Star Talk
Professor Joseph Ting will deliver a talk, titled ‘Connecting the East and the West: The Revelation of Zhang Qian’s Mission to the Western Regions’. His talk will reveal the impact of Zhang Qian journey to clear a path to the Western Regions during Han dynasty. More details HERE.