Jointly organised by City University of Hong Kong (CityU), China Tourism Group Corporation Limited [China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited], and Poly Art Museum, an exhibition titled “The Grand Gathering of the Century: Zodiac Heads from the Yuanmingyuan and Important Treasures” is being held from 4 July to 31 October 2023, showcasing four original zodiac heads from the Yuanmingyuan of the Qing imperial court. The Exhibition also marks the 26th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the centenary of the establishment of China Tourism Group.

Presiding over the opening ceremony today (3 July) were Dr Chung Shui-ming, CityU Pro-Chancellor; Mr Chen Yin, Chairman of China Tourism Group Corporation Limited [China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited]; Mr Lester Garson Huang, CityU Council Chairman; Mr Zhang Hao, Director of China Poly Group Corporation; Mr Sun Qingye, Deputy Head of The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Mr Pan Yundong, Deputy Commissioner of The Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR; Professor Freddy Boey Yin Chiang, CityU President; Dr Pansy Ho, Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Dr Peter Lam, Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Mr Lu Feng, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Economic Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; and Mr Raistlin Lau Chun, Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, HKSAR Government.

In his welcome remarks, Mr Lester Garson Huang said it was an honour for CityU to exhibit the four bronze statues and other national treasures, giving visitors an opportunity to appreciate the exchange of art and culture between China and the West from the 17th to the 19th century. “This is yet another example of how CityU is advancing the use of science and technology to expand our appreciation of art and culture,” he said.

In his speech, Mr Chen Yin said that the collaboration would enable China Tourism Group, CityU and China Poly Group to jointly promote the in-depth integration of education, culture and tourism. “This exhibition of zodiac heads from the Yuanmingyuan takes us through history and the growth of our country,” he added. “By sharing the opportunities of this prosperous era, we can create a bright future for Hong Kong.”

Mr Zhang Hao said, “This exhibition draws on the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery’s strengths in integrating art and technology, using immersive experiences and innovative interactive methods to allow visitors to deepen their understanding of the historical changes in the world’s cultural heritage and to draw more attention to, and reflection on, the lost artefacts overseas.”

In his vote of thanks, President Freddy Boey said that the exhibition deepened CityU’s collaboration with many renowned partners and demonstrated to the world the University’s commitment to promoting exchanges in history, art and culture. 

“Understanding and appreciating these national treasures is a great way to encourage young people to contemplate art and culture and their meaning and relevance to society today,” he said.

In addition, CityU and China Travel Service (Holdings) Hong Kong Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding today to jointly promote exchanges and cooperation in advancing the development and application of cutting-edge technology.

The 12 zodiac heads were part of the features of the great fountain in Haiyantang, Yuanmingyuan, with each zodiac head spraying water in turn to tell the time. The exhibition will be held in the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery in two phases. In Phase I (4 July to 31 August 2023), four original zodiac heads – tiger, pig, ox and monkey – will be exclusively presented. Phase II (5 September to 31 October 2023) will feature a complete set of 12 zodiac head sculptures, in collaboration with Singapore’s Asian Civilisations Museum, to recreate the exquisite design and ingenuity of the fountain in the Western architecture of the Yuanmingyuan. Other exhibits include nearly 30 national bronze relics from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and the Han Dynasty, as well as several pieces of enamelled porcelain from the Qing dynasty.

In addition to the physical display, the exhibition features a variety of immersive experiences, innovative art technologies, and other innovative interactive methods. The exhibition gives visitors a dynamic understanding of world heritage conservation, art technology and historical change, showcasing the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery’s innovative achievements in integrating art, science and digital technology and promoting broader community engagement.

“The Grand Gathering of the Century: Zodiac Heads from the Yuanmingyuan and Important Treasures” is presented by the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery of CityU. The exhibition also features treasures from the collection of ancient Chinese bronzes on loan from various museums, including the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the University Museum and Art Gallery of The University of Hong Kong, and the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, among others, in order to trace the history and development of rituals and ceremonies in the Qing Dynasty and other ages in China.

Details of “The Grand Gathering of the Century: Zodiac Heads from the Yuanmingyuan and Important Treasures” Exhibition:

Media enquiries: Helen Mok, Communications and Public Relations Office (Tel: 3442 6827 or 9859 3321)