Silk Roads Beyond Borders
Current
Silk Roads Beyond Borders
Inspired by the cultural treasures of Eurasian nations, Silk Roads Beyond Borders unfolds across four thematic chapters. It begins with the pioneering journeys that opened the ancient trade routes, highlights the artistic brilliance born from the exchange of civilizations, and concludes with the lasting resonance of the Silk Road spirit across time and space.
Explore over 200 rare and significant exhibits spanning from the Western Zhou Dynasty to the present day. These include silk textiles, gold and silver objects, enamelware, bronzes, ceramics, Buddhist statues, calligraphy and painting manuscripts, and modern artworks. The exhibition also introduces immersive digital experiences, guiding you along the ancient links while offering insight into diverse artistic expressions, and transporting you to a dynamic historical crossroads.
- Date: Starting from October 2025
- Location: POLY MGM MUSEUM, L2, MGM MACAU
- Free Admission
Guests are warmly invited to join our daily public guided tours at 15:00 (Cantonese) and 16:00 (Mandarin). No advance booking is required. Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes and is limited to 20 guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
For English-language tours, please email museum@mgm.mo at least 14 days prior to your visit to secure a reservation.
In addition to public guided tours, we offer an audio guide that allows guests to explore the exhibits at their own pace. Simply scan the QR codes on the exhibit labels to listen to the stories in Cantonese, English, or Mandarin. We recommend pairing a mobile device with a headset for the best listening experience.
Additionally, complimentary exhibition brochures are available to help our guests explore the museum and highlight exhibits. We also offer Illustrated leaflets, designed for families and younger audiences to turn their visit into an engaging, memorable adventure.
Exhibition Floor Plan
Exhibition Highlights
Dragon-Patterned Throne Carpet
Around Ming or Qing Dynasty
Collection of MGM
Made of wool on a hemp and silk base, this carpet depicts two dragons chasing a flaming pearl, with auspicious clouds adorning the upper portion and undulating sea waves on the lower section. It is exceptionally well-preserved and stands as a significant example of Chinese weaving craftsmanship.
Bronze Procession of Chariots and Cavalry
Han Dynasty
Gansu Provincial Museum
This is an Eastern Han dynasty bronze procession of chariots and cavalry, consisting of eight pieces and five types of bronze figurines. At the front are spear-holding horsemen and halberd-holding horseman. The set consists of a horse, saddle, halberd/spear, and rider. The horse stands firmly on all four hooves, with its head raised and tail arched in a neighing posture. The warrior seated astride the saddle, wearing a flat-topped hat and a cross-collar robe, holds the reins with his left hand and raises a halberd/spear with his right. Followed by two bronze horse, its head is decorated with xiongsheng (a type of headwear), and its tail is tipped with a jie silk tassel. The dynamic pose—raised leg, turned head, and open mouth—captures the moment of a neigh, conveying a powerful sense of majesty. In the middle of procession, is a light carriage. The set comprises a carriage, a horse, an umbrella, and a coachman. The carriage features two forward-curved shafts connected to the crossbar and yoke. Its base is latticed in a diamond pattern. At the rear, there are two wagons. The set consists of a coachman, a wagon, and a horse. The wagon is rectangular in form. The horse has its head raised, tail arched, and mouth open as if neighing.
Octagonal Gold Cup with Figural Decorations, Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
Shaanxi History Museum
This Tang dynasty handled cup masterfully blends Chinese and Sogdian metalworking traditions. The octagonal vessel is entirely chiseled with a scrolling vine pattern. Each facet, divided by pearl borders, depicts figures with deep-set eyes and prominent noses characteristic of Central Asian peoples. The handle’s thumb rest features a Sogdian-style head. It stands as a classic example of cultural exchange along the Silk Roads of the Tang dynasty.
Octagonal Blue Glass Bottle, Yongzheng Period
Qing Dynasty
The Palace Museum
This object is a blown-molded transparent gem-blue glass bottle. The surface has been polished, resulting in eight facets, each with a subtle concavity. The body is plain and devoid of decoration. The base is incised with a two column “Yongzheng Nian Zhi” (Made in the Yongzheng Reign) mark in kaishu (regular script).
Bronze Money Tree, Eastern Han Dynasty
Eastern Han Dynasty
Mianyang Museum
This "money tree" consists of a ceramic base, a bronze trunk, and leaves. The base is decorated with four tiers of reliefs depicting auspicious beasts, deer, lizards, and figures. The cylindrical trunk comprises five welded sections, each with five square struts and corner holes for attaching leaves. The leaves are decorated with foliate patterns, birds, dancing figures, and winged vermilion birds. Lower leaves feature square-holed coins inscribed "wuzhu" or with star charts. The apex depicts the Queen Mother of the West seated atop a dragon and tiger, surrounded by figures, horses, deer, vermilion birds, and coins.
*The original artifact will be displayed from January through March, 2026, after which a replica will be on view for the remainder of the exhibition.
Sanyu, Bouquet of Marguerites
1931
Private Collection, Hong Kong
This painting is by Sanyu, a renowned Chinese-French artist. With its refined lines and rich, essence-filled colors, the work embodies the concept of "five tints of ink" in traditional Chinese painting. Representative of Sanyu's artistic production in the 1930s, this work introduces the concept of three-dimensional perspective of the West into the planar spatial layout common in Eastern art.
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Book your visit
For the best experience, we recommend booking in advance.
Walk-in tickets are also available at the door, subject to capacity.
Each session has limited space and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
GroupsWe welcome group visits for parties of 20 to 50 guests.
Please reserve at least 14 days in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
Travel Tour GroupsWe accommodate travel tour groups of over 50 guests.
To get started, please submit your request using the form at least 14 days before your intended visit.