The latest virtual gallery is available at:

http://audio.taoart.com/fullview/zgdyh/1/?m=HoPNm2wwjXB

Yangzhou prospered because of the Grand Canal, while the life of Yang Guang, the emperor of the Sui Dynasty, was deeply intertwined with both Yangzhou and the canal. The exhibition focuses on cultural relics, enhanced by scene reproductions and text display boards. These elements narrate the intricate connection between Emperor Yang of Sui, Yangzhou, and the Grand Canal by intertwining an overt storyline with a covert one. The overt storyline follows the life journey of Yang Guang, from being granted the title of the Prince of Jin and residing in Yangzhou (then known as Jiangdu), to inspecting Yangzhou three times after ascending the Sui throne, to his shattered dream of great achievements, the palace coup in Jiangdu, and ultimately his death and the overnight collapse of his empire. The covert storyline explores how the emperor’s personal ambitions were intertwined with the evolution of Chinese history, objectively presenting the historical achievements of the Sui Dynasty, including the revitalization of culture and education, the excavation of the Grand Canal, and reforms in rites and music traditions. The exhibition also re-examines the planning and construction of the Sui Dynasty canal and its profound influence on later generations.

The exhibition begins with the scene of the emperor riding a dragon boat southward, where he wrote the poem called Crossing the Huaihe River at Dawn. From there, it slowly unfolds the story of this historical figure and the Grand Canal.

Introductory gallery, a semi-partitioned space with passages at all four corners leading to the four sections of the exhibition

Part I Epic Feats

Gallery interior  

The remaining eaves tiles from the Southern Dynasties palaces and groups of terracotta warriors from the Northern Dynasties are displayed on either side of the central area of the gallery, symbolizing the new chapter of unity in Chinese history between the north and the south. Porcelain crafted from various regions across the country, newly issued currencies, and novel styles of brocade all showcase the flourishing prosperity of the Sui Dynasty.

Part II Grand Vision

Gallery interior

With an honor guard depicted in large murals of the Sui Dynasty as the background, a Jiangdu Palace gate was cleverly designed using both eaves tiles and large bronze pushou (door knockers) from the Sui and Tang Dynasties. The audience can imagine “pushing open” the palace gate and unfolds endless envisioning about Yang Guang’s stay in the Jiangdu Palace.

Part III Glamor and Grace

Gallery interior    

Bianzhong (chime bells), bianqing (a traditional Chinese percussion instrument consisting of a set of L-shaped flat stone chimes known as qing, played melodically), a ritual cap, ritual jade ware, and other objects are displayed to reflect the achievements of the reform of the rites and music traditions during the Sui Dynasty. The artistic achievements of the dynasty, such as poetry and calligraphy, are displayed through multimedia to facilitate public engagement.

Part IV Lamentable End

Gallery interior

The tomb inscription of Emperor Yang of Sui is displayed at the center, and the “Coup in Jiangdu Palace” is restored through a video animation. In 2013, the tombs of the Emperor Yang of Sui and Empress Xiao were accidentally discovered in Yangzhou, solving the millennium-old mystery about the emperor’s burial place. The gallery shows a video on the discovery and excavation of the tombs, supplemented by text on display boards, to outline the life story of this emperor, whose fate was closely tied to the Grand Canal.

Curtains showing the era names of the Sui Dynasty

Text on a display board

Porcelain display case with copper coins arranged in wavy lines as background

Exhibits in individual display cases in the “Glamor and Grace” part