Exhibition unveils reunited bronze zodiac animal heads in Yungang Grottoes

The bronze Chinese zodiac animal heads, including the ox, tiger, horse, monkey, and pig, originally from the Old Summer Palace, are on display at the Yungang Grottoes museum in Datong city, Shanxi province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Zhao Ruichun, head of the general affairs department of Yungang Research Institute, reported an overwhelming response to the exhibition, with over 11,000 visitors in the first week.

Wan Liqun, deputy curator of Poly Art Museum, noted the exhibition's future plans, stating that after Yungang Grottoes, the bronze animal heads will journey to Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region in South China, following previous showings in Zhuhai city, Guangdong province.

While acknowledging visitor dissatisfaction at Poly Art Museum due to the display of replicas, Wan emphasized the broader goal of increasing public awareness through tour exhibitions, providing more people with the opportunity to appreciate these historic treasures.