The exquisite ancient city of Xinjiang is like a hermit of time, sleeping in the dream of history. This corner, forgotten by time, was once a prosperous place in Khotan, a thousand-year-old country. From the mythology of Kunlun Mountain to the exchange with the Central Plains culture, the stories here are fascinating.
【Silent Country】
In Khotan, the name is like a picture scroll smoothed by the years, fading out of people's sight. Once a Buddhist kingdom in the Western Regions, its history is heavy, but it has been overshadowed by the long river of time. With the advent of the Qarakhanid Dynasty and the change of climate, Khotan gradually became a historical relic.
【Ancient Capital Ruins】
In the Niya ruins in the Hotan region of Xinjiang, we seem to be able to feel the prosperity of ancient Khotan. The artifacts in the ruins, such as a large number of documents, ancient musical instruments, and colorful fabrics, are all testimonies to the former glory of the exquisite ancient city. Once a shining jewel of the Silk Road, it is now a silent ruin.
【Mysterious Kunlun Mountain】
Kunlun Mountain, known as the sacred mountain, carries many myths and legends. Zhang Qian traveled through this sacred mountain and brought the beauty of Kunlun Mountain into reality. The legend of the Queen Mother of the West was passed down in this mysterious mountain range and became one of the most popular beliefs in ancient China.
【Cultural Fusion Tour】
Khotan is a golden transit point for cultural exchanges between the East and the West, and a bright star on the Silk Road. Frequent cultural exchanges with the Central Plains have enabled jade culture to be inherited and developed here. As the first choice for gifts, practical items and ornaments, Hetian jade has formed a unique blend of beauty with the Central Plains culture.
【Light of Buddhism】
Buddhism took root in Khotan, forming a Buddhist cultural center centered on Qiuzi and Jingjue. Prominent monks such as Yu Chile and Shicha Nanda have made outstanding contributions to the spread and translation of Buddhism. The ruins of Buddhist temples that have survived to this day, such as the small Buddha temple in Damagou, are the historical witnesses of the Buddhist era, as if the religious glory of thousands of years will be reproduced.
【Exploration Footprints】
Today, the "Five Stars Out of the East - Hotan Historical Relics Exhibition" will present the history of Khotan before our eyes. At the China Millennium Monument in Beijing, more than 100 cultural relics from the Hotan Regional Museum, the China Museum of Nationalities and other institutions, as well as the murals and sculptures of the exquisite ancient city, give us the opportunity to get a glimpse of the phantom of ancient Khotan and feel this once glorious civilization.
【Modern Insights】
The vicissitudes of the ancient city make people think deeply about the development and changes of modern society. Khotan was once a disseminator of oriental culture and a witness to cultural exchanges between the East and the West. Through this exhibition, perhaps we will be able to better understand history, examine the present, and look forward to the future.
【Netizen monologue】
@行走者XX: This exhibition is really informative! It makes people feel the depth of Chinese culture, and the history of the rise and fall of Khotan makes people have mixed feelings.
@收藏家YY: The artifacts in the exhibition are so substantial, especially those ancient musical instruments and fabrics, which are simply works of art.
@历史发烧友ZZ: I have a more comprehensive understanding of Khotan, and thanks to the exhibition, I have a deeper understanding of the cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.
[Editor's muttering]
History is a big dictionary, and the history of Khotan is one of the exciting chapters. Let us understand wisdom from it, cherish the inheritance of civilization, and contribute to creating a better future.
【Event Highlights】
In the exhibition, people can not only appreciate the thousand-year-old history of Khotan, but also listen to the legendary story of a wonderful citizen named Sakya Muyun. His life was full of love twists and turns, court disputes, and finally became a Buddhist monk with his firm faith. His story is touching and provokes deep reflection on the meaning of life. During the exhibition, there will also be various cultural exchange activities, such as expert lectures and performances of ancient musical instruments, so that people can have a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural heritage of Khotan.