“Sanxingdui—Jinsha” Digital Exhibition Debut in Africa and Southeast Asia: A Dialogue Between Civilizations Across Time and Space

Following the successful debut in Egypt, Greece, and Sweden in 2024, the “Sanxingdui—Jinsha” Digital Exhibition & Overseas Promotion Activities are once again embarking on a new journey in 2025.

On the significant occasion of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Ethiopia and the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, two major cultural exchange events of ancient Shu civilization were held in Africa and Southeast Asia on August 22 and 25, 2025. These events were organized by the Sichuan Cyberspace Administration, with the Sichuan Daily Press Group, Sanxingdui Museum, Jinsha Site Museum, and Sichuan Culture Communication Co., Ltd. as co-organizers. The two key events, “Sanxingdui—Jinsha Ancient Shu Civilization: Appointment with Ethiopia” Exchange Conference and “Sanxingdui—Jinsha Ancient Shu Civilization” Theme Promotion Conference & Bronze Special Exhibition, served as cultural platforms for dialogue, building a bridge for cross-continental exchanges between Asia and Africa, and injecting vitality into international cooperation.

Unlocking the Gate to Civilization Exchange with Ancient Shu Civilization as the Key

While held in different regions, both events share a common mission: to bring the ancient Shu civilization, which dates back thousands of years, into dialogue with foreign civilizations and create a vibrant connection across time and space.

On August 22, 2025, the first event, “Appointment with Ethiopia” Exchange Conference, kicked off in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The exhibition featured 1:1 replicas of Sanxingdui and Jinsha artifacts, including exquisite human figures, bronze sun-shaped objects, bronze masks, and a bronze tiger-headed dragon figure. These artifacts brought a profound impact on the audience. In this land rich in history, home to the “Lucy” fossil and the Axum Obelisk, the unique value of Sanxingdui and Jinsha civilizations shines brightly.

Scene from the “Appointment with Ethiopia” Exchange Conference

In Southeast Asia, Singapore, as a hub for multicultural exchange, hosted the “Sanxingdui—Jinsha Ancient Shu Civilization” Theme Promotion Conference & Bronze Special Exhibition on August 25, 2025. The event showcased 1:1 replicas of Sanxingdui and Jinsha artifacts, 3D-printed art pieces, and digital exhibits, allowing the “Bronze Light” of ancient Shu civilization to shine in Singapura (the name of Singapore in the past). At the event, Singaporean participants praised the “wondrous and captivating ancient Shu civilization as a treasure passed down to us from human history.”

Scene from the “Sanxingdui—Jinsha Ancient Shu Civilization” Theme Promotion Conference & Bronze Special Exhibition

Turning Millennia of Chinese Civilization into a “New Bond” for Bilateral Friendship

From Ethiopia to Singapore, the two intercontinental cultural exchanges, with “Artifacts as Medium, Civilization as Common Language,” highlighted our shared wisdom in relation to nature, deities, and society. The creativity and spiritual richness embedded in the ancient Shu civilization fostered a dialogue with Ethiopia’s “Lucy” fossil legacy and Singapore’s multicultural heritage, making civilization exchange a “new engine” for promoting friendly cooperation between China and Ethiopia, as well as China and Singapore.