The Special Exhibition in Hong Kong for Compiling A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings is held at the City University of Hong Kong. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

The Special Exhibition in Hong Kong for Compiling A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings has opened at the City University of Hong Kong, highlighting academic and cultural exchanges between Zhejiang and Hong Kong.

On Jan 30, Zhejiang University presented selected volumes from the collection to the City University of Hong Kong during a donation ceremony and academic exchange event held on campus. Scholars from leading cultural and research institutions took part in discussions on the academic value and global significance of the project.

Yu Hui, a research fellow at the Palace Museum, said the collection provides vivid visuals for both macro and micro historical studies. Using Song (960–1279) and Yuan (1271–1368) dynasty paintings as examples, he added that many works help verify historical records or reveal details missing from written sources, enabling researchers to use images as historical evidence and supplements.

Professor Huang Xiaofeng, dean of the School of Humanities at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, said the high-resolution images presented in the collection represent a meaningful second exploration of China's ancient art resources. He added that images are a universal language, capable of transcending cultural boundaries and conveying shared aesthetic and emotions.

During the event, Zhejiang University donated the first volume of The Complete Collection of Pre-Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties Paintings, marking a new chapter in academic collaboration.

The Special Exhibition in Hong Kong for Compiling A Comprehensive Collection of Ancient Chinese Paintings is held at the City University of Hong Kong. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

The Hong Kong exhibition runs from Jan 15 to Feb 6. It features more than 100 high-definition reproductions of masterpieces from the Song Dynasty, offering an immersive view of the artistic achievements of traditional Chinese painting.

Through themes such as celadon and floral arrangements, the exhibition connects shared historical traditions and everyday cultural memories between Zhejiang and Hong Kong.

Multimedia and interactive elements further enhance engagement, presenting the enduring vitality of Song Dynasty aesthetics and Zhejiang's intangible cultural heritage in a contemporary context.