Children enjoy VR at the exhibition in Pingshan. Photos from the organizer

The “Sails on the Silk Road” offers visitors a triple experience: marveling at relics from the Maritime Silk Road, immersing themselves in VR journeys, and exploring AI-generated artworks. Tracing the historic routes of the Maritime Silk Road, it brings centuries of trade and cultural exchange to life through the stories of goods, people, and ideas that traveled across oceans.

The main exhibition draws from both institutional collections and private collectors worldwide, showcasing an impressive array of treasures that have returned to China — ranging from export porcelain to trade goods salvaged from shipwrecks, each carrying its own cross-continental journey.

Bringing together hundreds of exquisite artifacts from more than 10 countries and regions, the main exhibition examines cultural dialogue along the Maritime Silk Road through five themes: costume, produce, art, porcelain, and tea.

Exquisite artifacts are on display at the main exhibition.

In the VR section, visitors step into the daily life of ancient kiln workers and experience the full process of ceramic-making — from kneading clay and shaping vessels to glazing and firing. As the kiln heats up, they anticipate the transformation, then follow the finished porcelain along canals and rivers and, ultimately, to the sea.

The Shenzhen Technology University’s AIGC section reimagines Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) explorer Zheng He’s voyages, blending the aesthetic traditions of murals from Fahai Temple and Yongle Palace with advanced AI technology. The project introduces fresh creative energy into the public exhibition space, giving Maritime Silk Road culture a new, youthful expression.

A glance at the AIGC section.

Dates: Through Nov. 29

Venue: Pingshan Exhibition Gallery, Pingshan District (坪山区坪山展览馆)

Metro: Line 14 to Pingshan Center Station (坪山中心站), Exit D2

SkyShuttle: Line 1 to Culture Center Station (文化聚落站), Exit A