Global treasures on the Chinese stage

As China shows its historic artifacts to the world, other countries are returning the favor

During the first weekend after the exhibition History of the World in 100 Objects opened in Beijing last March, the temperature inside the crowded exhibition hall was temporarily out of control.

"We had monitors placed inside the exhibition hall as well as every glass case for exhibits, so we were constantly in touch with what was happening on the ground," says Yan Zhi of the National Museum of China, where the British Museum exhibition was on display until May.