Shenzhen’s Fanya Art Museum is hosting a landmark exhibition, “From Xiangshan to Gandhara: Echoes of Shared Heritage,” from May 15 to June 15, spotlighting the ancient Gandhara civilization of Pakistan and its profound cultural links with China. The showcase illuminates Pakistan’s role as a historical crossroads through meticulously curated artifacts and photographic displays, emphasizing spiritual and artistic connections between China’s sacred Xiangshan (Fragrant Mountain) and Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage sites along the Silk Road.
Featuring over 50 rare Gandharan artifacts and 100 photographs selected from a repository of 5,000 images, the exhibition provides an immersive journey into the region’s archaeological legacy. These materials, drawn from 16 key sites in Pakistan’s northwest and supported by collaborations with six prominent museums, underscore Gandhara’s synthesis of Greek, Persian, and Indian artistic traditions. The fusion birthed iconic Buddhist art, exemplified by statues blending Hellenistic craftsmanship with spiritual motifs.
“This exhibition is a testament to our enduring cultural dialogue,” remarked a curator from Shenzhen Fanya Art Museum, highlighting the initiative’s role in fostering cross-cultural appreciation. Open to the public free of charge, the event aligns with China’s efforts to preserve transnational heritage and deepen mutual understanding.
Visitors encounter intricate stucco reliefs, architectural remnants, and Buddha sculptures showcasing Greco-Buddhist influences, alongside striking visuals of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Taxila and Takht-i-Bahi. The displays not only celebrate artistic mastery but may also inspire future cultural tourism to Pakistan’s historical landmarks.
[Photo provided by Shenzhen Fanya Art Museum]