From February 11 to February 28, 2025, under the leadership of Professors Liu Jing and Connie, graduate students from the School of Innovation Design at the University of Macau visited the Poly MGM Museum to attend the exhibition "Blue Ribbon: Exploring Mysterious Seas and Encountering the First Exhibition of Rare Beasts from the Silk Road Relics." Together, they experienced the cultural exchange and artistic charm that transcends both seas and time.

The exhibition, themed "Blue Ribbon," symbolizes the vast world and the historical context of cultural fusion connected by the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Through art installations, digital imagery, and precious collections, the exhibition recreated the prosperous scenes of ancient maritime trade routes and displayed ancient artifacts excavated from the Silk Road relics. These exhibits not only showcase the intersection and influence of Eastern and Western civilizations but also provide a glimpse into the adventurous spirit of ancient sailors and the infinite possibilities of their quest for knowledge.

During the visit, the faculty and students deeply observed the artistic expression of the exhibits, appreciating the clever blend of historical narratives and contemporary artistic contexts. The rare beast sculptures and other mysterious relics in the exhibition, with their meticulous craftsmanship, vividly recreated the fantastic stories of ancient maritime cultural exchanges, making viewers feel as though they were embarking on a fascinating journey through the ancient trade routes. Additionally, through immersive digital imagery, visitors were able to experience the perspective of ancient navigators, exploring mysterious seas and unknown cultural worlds.

As an important node on the Maritime Silk Road, Macau carries the historical memory of the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures. This exhibition not only presented the magnificent chapters of maritime civilization but also deepened the faculty and students' understanding of the value of global cultural flow and historical heritage. At the end of the exhibition, faculty and students actively participated in discussions, sharing their experiences and engaging in enthusiastic exchanges on the contemporary expression of art and cultural heritage.

"Blue Ribbon: Exploring Mysterious Seas and Encountering the First Exhibition of Rare Beasts from the Silk Road Relics" is not only a wonderful encounter between art and history but also an opportunity to reflect on how culture endures across time. The exhibition allowed us to witness the charm of the fusion of ancient and modern, while also inspiring more attention and imagination for cultural heritage.

Written by: Bai Hongbo, Master's Program in Design, Class of 2024

Student Reflections

Jiang Jiayi, Class A, Master's Program in Design, Class of 2024

Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Liu Jing, we visited the Poly MGM Museum in Macau, and this cultural trip was incredibly rewarding. The museum is home to numerous treasures, and I was particularly struck by the display of the Yuanmingyuan animal heads. These animal heads are not only a testament to exquisite craftsmanship but also witness to the history of the Chinese nation. Having endured centuries, they carry the memories and dignity of the nation. The guide's detailed explanations helped us better understand the historical stories and cultural significance behind the relics. This visit made me cherish cultural heritage even more and ignited my love and reverence for traditional culture.

Guo Jitao, Class C, Master's Program in Design, Class of 2024

Under the guidance of Assistant Professor Liu Jing, the "Blue Ribbon" exhibition, themed around the "Maritime Silk Road," offered a cultural feast through the fusion of relics, technology, and art. After the exhibition, I felt that it was not only a retrospective of history but also a deep reflection on the fusion of civilizations. The exhibition expanded our understanding of Macau's important role as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, emphasizing its historical significance as a key node on the "Maritime Silk Road." The exhibition's exquisite storytelling guided us through a brilliant narrative, showcasing the brilliance, openness, and inclusiveness of Chinese civilization, while highlighting the concept of "harmony and coexistence" through relics and artistic elements from countries along the Silk Road.

Huang Yixiang, Class B, Master's Program in Design, Class of 2024

Under the guidance of Professor Connie, we visited the Poly MGM Museum's exhibition. The exhibition primarily focused on historical and cultural exchanges, and the content was rich and diverse. The display of the Yuanmingyuan animal heads left a deep impression on me, as the weathered traces on their surfaces were clearly visible, revealing the centuries they have endured. The museum also showcased many pieces of blue-and-white porcelain. Numerous interactive technological installations were used, such as projections that restored scenes of merchant caravans from the Dunhuang murals, with vivid depictions of camels and people. In the interactive area on maritime maps, we could manually simulate the trade routes of merchant ships, visually observing how Macau connected different countries in trade. Overall, this visit gave me a more concrete understanding of history and made me appreciate the importance of cultural exchange for human development.