More than 120 artifacts, including 55 authentic oracle‑bone relics—dozens making their large‑scale South China debut—are on show at the Eyes of the GBA, as South China's first large‑scale oracle‑bone joint exhibition kicked off in Shenzhen yesterday.
The "Inscribed Oracle Bones: Treasures Through Three Millennia" exhibition kicked off at the Eyes of the GBA in Bao'an District yesterday and opens to the public today. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Publishing Group unless otherwise stated
The landmark cultural feast, titled "Inscribed Oracle Bones: Treasures Through Three Millennia," opened with a ceremony yesterday and greets public visitors for free starting today, running through March 21, 2027, at the Folk Culture Center in the venue's southern block.
Co‑hosted by Shenzhen Publishing Group and the National Library of China (National Museum of Classic Books), the landmark show pools collections from five partner museums: Shandong Museum, Anyang Museum, Gansu Jiandu Museum, National Museum of Chinese Writing, and Museum of Ancient Pottery Civilization.
Exhibits on display include more than 120 artifacts, many of which are making their South China debut. Zhang Yu
Altogether, more than 120 items go on display, among which 55 are authentic cultural relics covering oracle bones, bamboo slips, and ancient books. Dozens of oracle‑bone artifacts make their large‑scale South China debut at the 2,200‑square‑meter venue.
An oracle-bone exhibit on display
Oracle‑bone inscriptions represent China's earliest known mature writing system, dating back over 3,000 years to the Shang Dynasty. Known as the fountainhead of Chinese characters and root of traditional Chinese culture, these inscriptions were first discovered in 1899. Around 160,000 oracle‑bone fragments have survived to this day, bearing over 4,000 unique characters, of which roughly 1,500 have been deciphered. In 2017, oracle‑bone inscriptions were added to UNESCO's Memory of the World program, confirming their status as shared global cultural heritage.
Held ahead of the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting scheduled for November in Shenzhen, the exhibition acts as a cultural showcase for local residents as well as visiting APEC delegates. As the world's largest physical bookstore complex, Eyes of the GBA stages the exhibition to demonstrate the profound brilliance of Chinese civilization and modern‑day cultural vitality through tangible ancient artifacts.
A replica of a bronze ceremonial axe-blade (yue) with Yachou tribal inscriptions, late Shang Dynasty, is on display.
Centered on the narrative thread "cultural inheritance across three millennia", the exhibition is divided into three thematic zones. Integrating physical exhibits, scene reconstruction, digital interaction, and immersive installations, the show unpacks Shang Dynasty civilization and the oracle‑bone writing system, illustrating the unbroken continuity of Chinese character structures spanning more than 3,000 years.
One major drawcard is the country's first VR experience revolving around Fu Hao, the valiant female Shang Dynasty warrior queen. The VR experience transports audiences back in time to witness the events of the Shang era. Supporting public activities include specialist lectures organized in partnership with the National Library of China, free guided tours, plus calligraphy, pottery and seal‑carving workshops. Targeting youth and general visitors alike, these programs enable audiences to connect with the origins of Chinese civilization and reinforce cultural confidence.
Visitors learn about the history of the Shang Dynasty. Zhang Yu
"From tortoise‑shell relics unearthed at Yinxu ruins to the Eyes of the GBA, ancient script meets a dynamic young metropolis," exhibition organizers said. The cross‑museum blockbuster revisits the deep‑seated roots of Chinese traditional culture, boosting national pride and cultural identity for Chinese communities at home and overseas.
A poster for the exhibition
Dates: Sept. 30, 2026 – March 21, 2027
Admission: Free
Venue: Folk Culture Center, Southern Block, Eyes of the GBA, Bao'an District (宝安区湾区之眼南区民俗馆)
Metro: Line 5 to Baohua Station (宝华站), Exit A1
