A Tale Of Two Dynasties

An ongoing exhibition of Qin and Han artifacts reveals how these periods continue to influence China and the world. Lin Qi reports.

From the widely exhibited Terracotta Warriors at the mausoleum of the first Qin (221-206 BC) emperor to a human-shaped bronze lamp that has for decades been the iconic display at the Hebei Museum; from a large burial ensemble featuring 172 centimeters of jade and gold wire to a finger-sized bronze die inlaid with semiprecious stones - indeed, the ongoing exhibition, Civilizations of the Qin and Han Dynasties, inspires audiences to think more about the two empires' glory days.

The display of over 300 artifacts explores a transformational era of Chinese civilization, from 221 BC to AD 220.