TEHRAN – After the glorious start of a loan exhibit of Persian antiquities at Beijing's Palace Museum, the same event is set to captivate audiences in Shanghai, according to the Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts.

The exhibition titled “The Glory of the Ancient Persia” will be held in Shanghai after Beijing, IRNA quoted Ali Darabi as saying on Sunday.

In the opening ceremony [of the exhibition], in addition to the ambassadors of Iran and China, nine ambassadors and 15 representatives from various countries were present, Darabi said.

Authorities of the Beijing’s Palace Museum said it was an unprecedented level of foreign ambassadors attending  an exhibition, Darabi said.

Referring to the overwhelming popularity of the exhibit among Chinese museum-goers, Darabi said: “tickets for visiting the exhibition were sold out by two weeks ahead. This is while a minimum of 50,000 people can visit this museum daily.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, Darabi said that a Chinese official in charge of cultural heritage museums had expressed readiness to host the exhibition in approximately 100 locations across the country.

Running from January 12 to April 11, the exhibition features 211 historical artifacts and five meticulously recreated (moulage) objects spanning from the Iron Age to the Safavid period, encompassing over 3,000 years of Iranian culture and art.

The event promises to be a bridge connecting the vibrant histories of Iran and China, inviting all to appreciate the shared cultural tapestry that unites these two ancient civilizations. Its meticulously selected collection aims to provide a comprehensive view of Iran’s cultural heritage for the public.

According to organizers, the primary objective of the three-month exhibition is to showcase the rich history and civilization of Iran, encouraging Chinese tourists to explore the beauty and heritage of the country.

Situated in West Asia, Iran has been a vital center for cultural exchanges between the East and the West owing to its strategic geographical location. The distinctive Iranian art, celebrated for its unique amalgamation of cultural elements from diverse ethnic groups, is a testament to the country’s ability to assimilate various influences and excel in multiple fields.

According to available data, some 50,000 travelers from China visited the Islamic Republic during the first seven months of the year (started on March 21).

The Islamic Republic in 2019 waived the visa requirement for Chinese nationals willing to visit the country. The decision was made to attract more foreign tourists to the country. However, it was a unilateral measure, because Iranian tourists visiting China still need visas.

AFM