To celebrate the start of the new year, the Hainan Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports is collaborating with the Palace Museum to organize a special exhibition on cultural relics related to Su Shi (1037-1101). The exhibition will occur at the Provincial Museum from January 29 to April 29, 2024. The aim of the exhibit is to showcase the rich heritage and deep cultural significance of China's traditional culture and the profound influence that Su Shi had on it. With 332 items—spanning over a thousand years of history—on display, visitors will have an unprecedented opportunity to explore and appreciate this great man's remarkable legacy.

A “Cultural Relics of Su Shi” exhibition will take place at the Hainan Provincial Museum. (Photo by Hainan Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports) 

Living during an era of cultural flourishing in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), Su Shi is most commonly referred to by his pen name "Dongpo" (meaning Eastern Slope). Both during and after his life, he was renowned as a scholar, poet, writer, artist, calligrapher, pharmacologist, and statesman; and he is remembered for his wit, wisdom, and literary talent.

Part of China's precious spiritual and cultural heritage, the study and recognition of Su's works have come to be called "Dongpo Culture." Featuring relics of and about Su Shi, and an important precursor to the second China (Hainan) Dongpo Cultural Tourism Conference, this exhibit features exceptionally high standards in both design and execution.

Of the 332 pieces on display, there will be 83 which have been recognized as Grade III Cultural Relics, 56 which have been recognized as Grade II Cultural Relics, and 15 which have been recognized as Grade I Cultural Relics.

Along with Su Shi, Huang Tingjian (1045-1105), Mi Fu (1051-1107), and Cai Xiang (1012-1067) are collectively referred to as "the Four Masters of the Song Dynasty," and—of the items specially provided by the Palace Museum for this exhibition and rarely seen outside the Forbidden City—there will be six precious works of calligraphy (including three by Su Shi, and one each by the other three masters).

Statue of Su Shi at the Danzhou Dongpo Academy. (Photo by Hainan Daily)

During this exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to view featured exhibits and learn about the cultural stories behind them. In addition, a series of supporting activities will be available to display Shi Shi's feelings about his family and country, his broad-minded attitude, his awareness of his role in serving the people, and his literary achievements. The exhibition aims to build Hainan's image as a cultural hotspot, furthering Su Shi's domestic and international reputation and promoting Dongpo Culture to those unfamiliar with his life and deeds.

Demonstrating the charisma of Dongpo Culture, an official from the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism and Culture explained that Hainan has—in recent years—been actively exploring its rich connection with elements of Dongpo culture (such as literary creation, people-centered ideology, family education and traditions, patriotism, and artistic living); that the province has been promoting popular forms of the inheritance of Dongpo Culture; and that the province is empowering the merging and integrated development of industries related to tourism, catering, cultural creativity, and study.

Information source:

Nanguo Metropolis Daily, China Daily, Tropical Hainan