Ningxia's rock art exhibition opens at Zhejiang Museum of Natural History

An exhibition of rock art of Helan Mountain in Ningxia opened at the Zhejiang Museum of Natural History in Hangzhou, on July 5.

Running until Aug 31, the exhibition features an immersive VR rock art creation experience and five interactive spots, offering a comprehensive display of the rocks' geological features, flora and fauna, as well as the rich culture surrounding the rock art of Helan Mountain.

Visitors will gain a thorough understanding of the origins and evolution of Helan Mountain, the artistic characteristics of its rock art, and the scientific methods used for its preservation. The exhibition aims to convey the ancient and unique artistic charm of Helan Mountain rock art, encouraging more people to appreciate, protect, and pass on this cultural heritage, noted a representative of the organizers.

Rock art, a form of petroglyph culture, serves as an "encyclopedia" of the lives of ancient ancestors. The rock art found on the eastern slopes of Helan Mountain records scenes of human activity from approximately 3,000 to 10,000 years ago.

With tens of thousands of images depicting hunting, rituals, dancing, warfare, and various animals and plants, these rock carvings are a treasure of ancient nomadic art and an important window into ancient history and culture, according to Li Tong, former deputy director of the Ningxia Museum.

Li also delivered a lecture at the exhibition's opening ceremony, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the value embedded in the rock art of Helan Mountain.