Jinsha Treasures to Shine at “Golden Thread” Special Exhibition

On February 10, 2026, the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament and the Gold Mask from Chengdu Jinsha Site Museum will be presented to the public at Chengdu Museum’s special exhibition, “Golden Thread—The Art of Dressing from North Africa to East Asia”. The exhibition will run through March 8, 2026.

This will be the first time in 18 years that the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament leaves the Jinsha Site Museum since its last appearance at an external exhibition in 2008. The display of the two national treasures from the Jinsha Site Museum will offer a direct look into the emergence and use of gold ornaments in the early Shu civilization and vividly narrate the stories of gold in Sichuan from over 3,000 years ago.

As an icon representing Chengdu's city image, the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament is deeply woven into the daily lives of the city’s residents. Its design was officially adopted as the sign of China Cultural Heritage in 2005. The Gold Mask, currently the most intact gold mask from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties preserved in China, stands as a testament to the ancient Shu people’s reverence for gold and their exceptional craftsmanship.

The “Golden Thread—The Art of Dressing from North Africa to East Asia” special exhibition is a major collaboration between Chengdu Museum and the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac of France. It brings together treasures woven with golden threads from countries along the Silk Road. The inclusion of the two artifacts from the Jinsha Site Museum not only extends the exhibition’s chronological scope but also highlights the profound significance of gold as a shared cultural symbol of humanity through dialogue among civilizations. The hammering, openwork, and other techniques seen in the Sun and Immortal Birds Gold Ornament and the Gold Mask find a cross‑regional echo in goldsmithing traditions along the Silk Road, revealing the diverse expressions of ancient gold art.

Tips

During the Spring Festival, Chengdu Museum will extend its opening hours. From February 15 to March 3, the museum will be open until 19:00 from Sunday to Thursday and until 20:30 on Friday and Saturday. The museum will remain open on Monday.

Source: HomeinChengdu