Kathmandu— Wang Shuling, a visitor from Nanjing, was captivated by the 'World Tree' exhibition at Shanghai Museum, which showcases nearly 3,000 artifacts from Mexico, Peru, and China. The exhibition has become a must-see destination during China's summer travel season, reflecting a broader trend of international cultural exhibitions gaining popularity across the country.

Exhibition Draws Record Attendance

The 'World Tree' exhibition at Shanghai Museum, which opened on July 9, has quickly become one of the most sought-after destinations for Chinese travelers. The show features nearly 3,000 artifacts from ancient American civilizations and has attracted significant attention since its opening. Wang Shuling, a visitor from Nanjing, took five pages of notes during her visit, highlighting the depth and richness of the exhibition.

Renaissance Art Draws Crowds in Beijing

In Beijing, an exhibition showcasing masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance at the National Art Museum of China has drawn widespread attention. Featuring 36 original artworks by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, the show has received more than 200,000 visits since its opening. Xia, a visitor from Shanghai, expressed her enthusiasm for seeing these works in person: 'It was worth flying all the way to Beijing to admire the original works by artistic giants.'

Cultural Exhibitions Flourish Nationwide

The trend of international exhibitions is not limited to major cities like Shanghai and Beijing. In Hubei Province, an exhibition at the Hubei Provincial Museum features 129 sets of precious artifacts from the Moscow Kremlin Museums, while in Guangdong Province, visitors can explore Central African culture through a themed show at the Guangzhou Maritime Museum. These exhibitions offer Chinese audiences more opportunities to appreciate global treasures without traveling abroad.

Growing Interest and Expectations

Experts note that the rising enthusiasm for international exhibitions in China reflects changing attitudes among visitors who are moving beyond sightseeing alone and embracing cultural activities that offer deeper knowledge. Lin Minghua, an associate professor of sociology at Xiangtan University, observed: 'With rising incomes and changing attitudes, Chinese people are seeking more meaningful cultural experiences.' Official data supports this trend, with over 7,000 registered museums in China hosting around 45,000 exhibitions annually.

(With inputs from Xinhua)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.