Zhaoqing Museum

Station Eleven: Zhaoqing Museum Zhaoqing, known as the 'Pearl of the Xijiang River.' The main stream of the Pearl River, the Xijiang River, flows through the territory, with the Tropic of Cancer running across it. Nestled against the Nanling Mountains, bordering Guangxi to the west, controlling Cangwu to the north, and connecting to the South China Sea to the south, it is the throat of western Guangdong and the gateway connecting the Pearl River Delta to the greater southwest. Zhaoqing, the cradle of ancient humanity. For hundreds of thousands of years, this place has left behind a wealth of Old and New Stone Age cultural sites and relics, making it an important region for exploring the ancient culture of Lingnan. Zhaoqing, 'a famous prefecture in Lingnan.' Since the Qin and Han dynasties, the Central Plains culture and the Baiyue culture have deeply integrated here, gradually evolving into the local Cantonese culture with regional characteristics, radiating to the surrounding areas and forming a unique entity. The birthplace of Cantonese culture, the spread of the Cantonese language, and the establishment of successive administrative regions, from county and state (prefecture) to government office, made it the renowned 'Zhaoqing Prefecture' in the Lingnan region, which was an economic, political, and military stronghold during the Ming and Qing dynasties, occupying a significant position in the history of Lingnan. The Duan Inkstone Exhibition - Donated by Mr. Xie Zhifeng In 2009, Mr. Xie Zhifeng, the president of the Guangdong Province Chinese Cultural Relics Appraisers Association, generously donated 140 pieces of his collection to Zhaoqing City, including 116 ancient Duan inkstones from various dynasties, 21 contemporary famous calligraphy and paintings, a Qing dynasty sourwood box, stone carvings, etc. Among these ancient Duan inkstones, many were used by historical figures who inscribed them with writings and engravings, and over sixty percent come with their original precious wooden boxes, making them highly valuable for collection and research. In February 2009, the People's Government of Zhaoqing City awarded Mr. Xie Zhifeng the title of 'Honorary Citizen of Zhaoqing' in recognition of his active contributions to the development of Zhaoqing's Duan inkstone culture. The exhibition is arranged in chronological order of the Duan inkstones and displays a selection of ancient Duan inkstones and famous calligraphy and paintings donated by Mr. Xie Zhifeng, allowing visitors to appreciate the unique charm of Duan inkstone culture and art. The total construction area of Zhaoqing Museum is approximately 11,550 square meters, with an exhibition hall of 4,280 square meters. It features basic displays such as 'The First Prefecture from South of the Nanling Mountains - Historical and Cultural Display of Zhaoqing,' and major exhibitions like 'The Duan Inkstone Exhibition - Donated by Mr. Xie Zhifeng.' The museum is built according to a diverse and inclusive design principle, combined with the concept of 'bringing cultural relics to life,' and is constructed in line with the four major positioning plans of 'China's Most Characteristic Museum,' 'The Brightest Cultural and Museum Name Card of Lingnan,' 'The Most Concentrated Cultural Element Window of the Greater Bay Area,' and 'The Heaviest Historical Foundation Display Platform of the Pearl River Delta.' Zhaoqing Museum will become a new cultural landmark showcasing the historical development of Zhaoqing City. Its opening to the public fully demonstrates the new achievements of our city's cultural and museum industry, enhances the public's recognition of Zhaoqing's historical and cultural heritage, establishes cultural confidence, and helps accelerate the construction of a modern city that 'exhibits Chinese characteristics, inherits excellent traditional culture, and has a beautiful ecological environment.'